VFP-62 Memorabilia

Updated November 6, 2023




VFP-62 Hangar - Circa 1962-63
Photo by John Sees

Memorabilia from VFP-62 squadron members, dusting off memories from decades ago, when we were all that much younger.
As Greg Engler says, "At this point in life we have much more to look back at than we have to look forward to, in both time and in events as well."

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    Updated 3/9/18


    Quick Page Navigation Selections:


  • Click to go to: Memories and inspiring tributes to Navy and Shipmates and VC/VFP-62 Reunions: ---2008 reunion photos at Battleship Park Mobile AL. Dedicating restored VFP-62 RF-8A Crusader and visit to National Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola, Florida. 2011 reunion at Jacksonville Forida: Visit to former NAS Cecil Field

  • Click to go to: Memories of Life at VFP-62---NAS Cecil Field---Photos,VFP-62 Time Capsule; VFP-62 song book, VFP-62 poem, Navy Photo School, "Afterburner" issues, cruise book link & more

  • VFP-62 was a large squadron that supplied detachments (Dets) to the fleet carriers. These detachments usually had 30-40 crew members with 2-3 photo-aircraft. The senior officer was the Officer in Charge (OinC), three-to-four pilots, one photo intelligence officer and senior petty officers would be the leaders of the 35-40 enlisted maintenance and support crew.
    When the carrier returned from deployment, the detachment would return to base at Cecil Field. There was high competition among the various detachments "to be the best". You can see that in the writings of the varous newsletters, which were written by the officers and crew. Very good writing if I might add.

    • Click to go to: The Early Detachments VC-62 (VFP-62's predecesssor squadron) Detachments 1950-52

    • Click to go to: The 1956-59 Detachments VC-62/VFP-62 Dets: 31-56 Coral Sea; Homebase Newsletter 1957; 42-58 Forrestal; 43-58 Saratoga; 45-58 Essex; 37-59 Franklin D. Roosevelt and arrival of the first F8U-1P (later RF-8A) photo-Crusaders

    • Click to go to: The 1960 -67 Newsletters and Detachments VFP-62 Cecil Field, Forrestal, Shangri La, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Enterprise, Saratoga, 1967 Squadron Roster---Newsletters


      Memories of Navy & Shipmates

      I now know why men who have been to war yearn to reunite. Not to tell stories or look at old pictures. Not to laugh or weep. Comrades gather because they long to be with the men who once acted their best, men who suffered and sacrificed, who were stripped raw, right down to their humanity.

      I did not pick these men. They were delivered by fate. But I know them in a way I know no other men. I have never given anyone such trust. They were willing to guard something more precious than my life. They would have carried my reputation, the memory of me. It was part of the bargain we all made, the reason we were so willing to die for one another.

      I cannot say where we are headed. Ours are not perfect friendships; those are the province of legend and myth. A few of my comrade's drift far from me now, sending back only occasional word. I know that one day even these could fall to silence. Some of the men will stay close, a couple, perhaps, always at hand.

      As long as I have memory, I will think of them all, every day. I am sure that when I leave this world, my last thought will be of my family and my comrades ... such good men.

      Taken from Michael Norman, "These Good Men"



      2008 & 2011 Reunion Photos


      Battleship Park - Dedication of restored RF-8A (4/5/2008)

    • Photos of the:VFP-62 2008 Reunion Photos & Links-Mobile Alabama April 3-6, 2008



    • Visiting former NAS Cecil Field (9/16/2011)

    • Photos of the:2011 VFP-62 Reunion Photos & Links-Jacksonville Florida Sept. 16-18, 2011


    • Good Memories of the Navy:_ "I Like The Navy" -Contributed by Bill Newby.


    • (1/27/13): 5 min. YouTube video I am the American Sailor with Ernest Borgnine (former chief petty officer) and the United States Navy Band. R.I.P. Chief Borgnine. You were a good man. Contributed by Ernie Halley.



    • Click to go to Top of "VFP-62 Memorabilia" Page


    It sure brings back a lot of good memories when I browse the site... memories of a time when things seemed to be a lot simpler.---Jerry Smith


      Memories of Life at VFP-62

      One of the best things we had at Cecil, I thought, was that the EM club was right across the street from the back door to the barracks which made the crawl back to the barracks that much easier and that much less confusing after an evening of 10 cents a can beer. -- Greg Engler


      (10/19/15) Contributed by Cora McDonnell, wife of the late Lt. Jerry McDonnell



      (1/7/14): VFP-62 flightline early 1960s
      Photo panorama by Vinnie Zabicki
      Click photo to enlarge


    • CLICK TO SEE PHOTOS OF:

      • On 8 August 1962 -Miss Florida (Gloria Brodie) pic.#1 -Paid a visit to the "FLYING UBANGIS" - VA-12 at NAS CECIL FIELD. They flew A-4 Skyhawks.Miss Florida (Gloria Brodie) pic.#2 - --Contributed by Frank Buesing

      • Here's a photo of a:-VFP-62 F8U-1P BuNo 144613--taken by me at the NAS JAX airshow in 1958--J.J. McKenna

      • Photo taken in mid-1960 as our VFP-62 Det.33 was arriving at NAS Norva from NAS Cecil Field, FL.: Unloading Det gear at Norfolk-We were taking our three F8U-1P Crusaders aboard USS Intrepid CVA-11 for carquals, first Crusader unit to operate aboard the Mighty I. Never could figure out why, when we traveled by military cargo, that we had to have our dress uniforms on and then be expected to load/offload our gear - at the aircraft and then at the ship! -J.J. McKenna

      • Det 33-60-Gitmo crew "At Work!!" RF8 927 BuNo 146872)--J.J. McKenna



    • CLICK TO SEE: NAS CECIL FIELD---Photos, VFP-62 Time Capsule and More


    • CLICK TO SEE: VFP-62 MEMORABILIA--- Songs, Poem, Detachment Memories

      • USS Intrepid: Prices Pups - 1957-61 Roster Contributed by: J.J. McKenna

      • Poem to VFP-62 ---CAN BE ENLARGED IN BROWSER WINDOW-- submitted: Capt. Bob Kiem son of VFP-62 CO (1958)Capt Ed Kiem

      • VFP-62 DET 33 Coffee Mug -OINC LCDR Frank "FANG" Liberato. ( Note the fangs on Snoopy ). Submitted by: Jim "SKI" Trenoskie AME2 1960-1963

      • Organized choirs and routy singing were wide-spread activities in the squadrons of the 60's. Check out:_VFP-62 Song Book --Submitted by Jay Kirkland son of LT James T. Kirkland Jr. (VFP-62 pilot 1958 - 1960)

      • (3/25/14)[Webmaster's note: This link has been updated to give all of the cruise books.] EXTERNAL LINK Click to see: Navy Cruise Books --Many cruise books organized by ship and cruise. Contributed by Gerald Musgrove

      • (12/1/14)
        USS Forrestal
        Thanksgiving Day 1962

        "Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen." (Roman Catholic)

        "Bless O Lord, this food to our use to Thy service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others. In Jesus' name. Amen." (Protestant)

        "Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who bringeth forth bread from the earth, Amen. " (Jewish)

        Thanksgiving Day Menu

        Chilled Tomato Cocktail Saltines Split Pea Soup
        Roast Young Turkey Corn Bread Dressing Baked Kentucky Ham
        Whipped Irish Potatoes Giblet Gravy Candied Sweet Potatoes
        Buttered Green Peas Tossed Green Salad Waldorf Salad Buttered Corn
        Blue Cheese Dressing Hot Parker House Rolls Nut Dressing
        Chilled Cranberry Sauce Sesame Seed Rolls Sliced Pickles
        Stuffed Olives Butter Patties Ripe Olives
        Pumpkin Pie Whipped Cream Mince Meat Pie
        Coffee Chilled Fresh Fruit Bar Milk
        Hard Soft Center Candies Salted Nuts
        Cigarettes Cigars

        [Webmaster: This walk down memory lane provided by Ken Killmeyer, Forrestal Assn. historian. This was my last VFP-62 detachment (1962-63) and will be posted to our detachment newsletters on "VFP-62 Memorabilia." I always enjoyed Navy food.]


      I was a kid at the time and wish I had been wise enough to appreciate all the experience more. I am grateful to those who led us and kept us safe.--Robert (Bob) Lane (circa 1969 FDR ships company ABF-3)



      • CLICK TO SEE: Information on Navy Photo School

        (5/2/12)FOR VFP-62 PHOTOMATES:Navy Photo School Given A New Life --Many photomates from VFP-62 have started their careers here. Check it out. Contributed by Bill Newby PHCM

      Click to go to Top of "VFP-62 Memorabilia" Page




    Webmaster's Note: VFP-62 was a large squadron that supplied detachments (Dets) to the fleet carriers. These detachments usually had 30-40 crew members with 2-3 planes. The senior officer was the Officer in Charge (OinC), three-to-four pilots, one photo intelligence officer and senior petty officers would be the leaders of the 35-40 enlisted maintenance and support crew.

    When the carrier returned from deployment, the detachment would return to base at Cecil Field. There was high competition among the various detachments "to be the best". You can see that in the writings of the varous newsletters, which were written by the officers and crew. Very good writing if I might add.


      The Early Detachments



      Click photo to enlarge

      (9/14/13) VC-62 Korean War Detachment

      USS Leyte (CV 32)

      September 6, 1950 - February 25, 1951

      Photo contributed by Roy Abraham





      Click photo to enlarge

      VC-62 (Med. cruise) Det 32 USS Tarawa - USS Midway 1952
      Back Row: Wolf; Abraham; Hamilton; Sims; Littrell; Curtiss; King; Healey
      2nd row: Massett; Hill; Barton; Cook; Fanretti
      Front row: Grentzer; Goodwin; Eason
      Photo via: Rick Grentzer (son)

      Click to see more information: VC-62 Detachments 1950-52



      Click to go to Top of "VFP-62 Memorabilia" Page





    VFP-62 crew aboard USS Intrepid (circa 1957)
    Photo: Robert Stiles PH2 via Barry Stiles (son)
    Click photo to enlarge


    VC/VFP-62 Detachments 1956 - 1959


      Cruise Report VFP-62 Det 31-56 Med Cruise
      USS Coral Sea
      August 13, 1956 - Feb. 11, 1957


      LT. Marlin Vincent Egert's F2H-2P

    • (12/8/12) Adobe (.pdf) file: Det 31-56 Cruise Report Contributed by the family of Lt. Marlin Vincent Egert: Tom, Mike, Mark & Geoffrey Egert, sons


      Mrs. Egert aboard Coral Sea with F2H-2P


    • (Adobe .pdf format) file: Aircraft Accident Board Appointment


    • Photos via: Jean Marshall (daughter of Lt. D.S. Ward)



      Webmaster: While the photo indicates Coral Sea, the detachment deployed to USS Randolph



      CLICK photos to enlarge


      Lt. D.S. Ward (P.C. Leopard)






      VFP-62 crew and F9F-8P on USS Saratoga (1956)
      Photo: Robert Stiles PH2 via Barry Stiles (son)
      Click photo to enlarge



    Years ago, I took it for granted but as we age, those VFP-62 days take on new significance.
    --Pete Hanner (VFP-62 AE2/ LCOL USMC)



      VFP-62 detachment logo on F9F-8P Cougar
      aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11) circa 1957
      Photo: Robert Stiles PH2 collection via Barry Stiles (son)
      Click photo to enlarge


      November 1957 VFP-62 Newsletter
      The arrival of the supersonic F8U-1P (RF-8) Crusader

      submitted by Daryl Phillippi

    • 1.5MB Adobe (.pdf) file: VFP-62 enters the supersonic era A good read!! USE BROWSER "BACK ARROW" TO RETURN TO THIS PAGE



      This November 27, 1957 Newsletter from the VFP-62 commanding officer, covers the days when the squadron received the supersonic F8U-1P (later RF-8A). Written from the home base at NAS Jacksonville before the move to NAS Cecil Field.



    "It was an exciting time to be on the FDR with F8s in burner leaving the deck."
    --John Dwyer (FDR Det. 37-59)


      Det 33-58 USS Intrepid ("Youngblood's Tigers")

      Click photo to enlarge



      Det 42-59 (USS Forrestal) Newsletters
      The first Detachment with F8U-1P Crusaders's on the USS Forrestal

      submitted by James Taylor USN Ret.

    • Click to see: Det42-59 August 1958 Newsletter



      Photo Courtesy - Marion Swinford

      First row seated LTJG R G Walters (Bucky), LTJG J P Hennessey (Jack), LTJG C W Counter (Charlie), LTCDR C E Ray (Charlie), Chief ADJ Curtis Miller, LTJG C M Chitty(Charlie), LTJG H C North (Hank)

      Second row standing, AE3 Charlie Browning, PM1 Walter Scanlon, AN Lee McCoy, personelman Ken Tuel, AK2 Leroy George, Steward David Allen, An Daniel Perez, AN Dary Phillippi, AN David Saville, PM2 Ed Kinda, AMS2 John Fuller, AE3 Hideo Higashi(Sam), ANADJ Marion Swinford APR2 Bobby Graham, ADJ3 Bobby Jones, AMS1 Emile Cory (Pops), AN Richar Joline, ADJ1 Arthur Mead, PM3 Ron Lebo, AO3 Doug Heavner, PM2 Charles Jarvela, ADJ3 T A Greene, ADJ2 William Farrar, AME2 Marty Slater, AN Carlos Estevezm and ADJ3 J D Miller.

      Det 43-58 (USS Saratoga) Newsletters

      submitted by Marion Swinford

    • March 1958 Newsletter

    • April 1958 Newsletter

    • May 1958 Newsletter

    • June 1958 Newsletter

    • July 1958 Newsletter

    • August 1958 Newsletter

    • September 1958 Newsletter

    • Det 43-58 Cruise Book -


    • Click to see more photos: "Faces of VFP-62" Use the browser back arrow to return here.


      (6/7/23)VFP-62 Det. 43-58 - Med Cruise 1958 Video

      by Daryl Phillippi PH1 VFP-62



      Webmaster: This entertaining video was on the "Bulletin Board" for a number of years. It really is a fun experience to see what Daryl has put together.

      During this pandemic I have found myself with a lot of time on my hands.

      In my younger years I shot a lot of films. In modern times it is so easy to convert to digital and edit them. Therefore I have put together a 10 1/2 minute video of the USS Saratoga and injected some shots of the VFP-62 detachment and ended with a lot of the crew and a video of a bunch of "kids" acting like kids at a beach party.--- Daryl Phillippi

      Webmaster: Click the link to see Daryl's ten minute video: USS Saratoga and VFP-62 Beach Party by Daryl Phillippi

      Det 45-58 (USS Essex) Photos

      submitted by Richard Maioriello

      (7/15/13) Introduction: In July 1958 Lebanon was threatened by a civil war between Maronite Chistians and Muslims. Lebanese Muslims pushed the government to join the newly created United Arab Republic while the Christians wanted to keep Lebanon aligned with the Western powers. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev threatened to use nuclear weapons in the event of an American intervention.

      President Eisenhower responded by authorizing Operation Blue Bat in July 15, 1958. The plan was to occupy and secure the Beirut International Airport, then secure the port of Beirut and appoaches to the city.

      At the end-of-June the USS Essex was anchored at Piraeus, Greece. Also, the carriers USS Saratoga (CVA-60) [see Det 43-58 above] and Wasp were in the Mediterranean.

      The U.S. withdrew its forces in October 1958. [Source: Wikipedia]

    • Click to see: Det 45-58 Photos





      (4/10/23) Det 64-62 (USS Constellation) Shakedown Cruise
      submitted by Bruce Nason



      Click to see: Det 64_62 Photos

      Det 42 (USS Franklin D. Roosevelt) 1962-63

      submitted by Richard Chilton

    • Adobe (pdf format) 2MB file: Page 1 photos -Pilot is Lt. j.g. Rodney Rogers

    • Adobe (pdf format) 2MB file: Page 2 photos -Photomate Harper

      USS Enterprise Det 65 Feb-July 1963


      click to enlarge

      The "Umbilly Cords"---(L-R) Jack Lingley, Don (a Raytheon Rep), LCDR Frank Liberato, Tucker Taylor (pilot form VA 64 or 164 A-4 squadron), LCDR Newby Kelt, LT Jim Curry, a RIO from VF-102. The head in the back was a LTV rep---CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE...photo Cdr. Newby Kelt

      "We were just a group of guys with VFP 62 including Frank Liberato, Newby and me leading the group. We did not call ourselves a chorus, but used to sing or perform at Air Wing parties and special events in the Wardroom."---Jim Curry



      (10/12/15) Photo: Pete Wallace

    • Det 65 (Feb-Apr 1963) Newsletter--submitted by John Sees

    • Click to see: Det 65 (July 1963) Newsletter--submitted by Jim Trenoskie


    "I'm 58 years old. My earliest memory as a child is the smell of jet fuel. My father, LtCmdr. Joe Pline USN Ret. (deceased) served with VFP-62 in or around 1957. I still wear his squadron patch on my riding jacket (with his permission of course)." -- Dale Pline

      YouTube Video -- VFP-62 circa 1964

      submitted by Frank Buesing

      Description of scenes in the video:

    • FLIGHT SCHOOL - T-34 MENTOR SAUFLEY FIELD - NAS PENSACOLA 1964!

    • USS FORRESTAL ARRIVING AT NAS ROOSEVELT ROADS - FEB/1964 "21 GUN SALUTE"

    • "OPERATION SPRINGBOARD" FLIGHT OPERATIONS - FEB/1964 USS FORRESTAL - VFP-62

    • SCENES FROM NAS CECIL FIELD 1964

    • EXTERNAL LINK to You.Tube: Video of VFP-62 circa 1964)

      1967-68 FDR Det 42 Cruise Book Photos

      submitted by Ken Keber


    • Click to see: FDR Det 42 1967-68 Cruise Book Photos

    • [Webmaster's Note: VFP-62 was disestablished in January 1968. This detachment originated as VFP-62 but became VFP-63 on January 4,1968.]

    • (2/14/18)

      [Webmaster: I suspect this sign was once hung in the VFP-62 detachment ready room of the USS Independence CVA-62. Amazingly, it must have been thrown overboard, floated in the sea, and found, as noted in the message below. Sixth Fleet carriers made liberty calls to Istanbul, Turkey and had to navigate from the Agean Sea through the Marmara Sea.

      I'm requesting information from anyone who might have seen this sign on the USS Independence in 1960-69 period.

      The sign shows the VFP-62 logo "Eyes of the Fleet."]



      Hi

      My father found this between 1965-1970 in Marmara sea in Istanbul [Turkey]. I want to ask is it a valuable piece or not ?

      Thanks


      Altu Kizavul



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      Updated 3/9/18


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