Dramatic Photo with the RF-8 Climbing Ahead of Shooting Flares Courtesy Eric Nelson
Latest updates to vfp62.com
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vfp62.com is a site that grows with the photo and memorabilia contributions from former squadron members and aviation enthusiasts. Become a part of it!
Site Updates as of May 27, 2023 Look for for most recent additions
Webmaster's message: (May 27, 2023) This month was very productive with a number of site improvements. I completed a rework of all "Faces of VFP-62" pages by increasing the sizes and text of the photos. I think you'll be able to see and read them better. There's still room for more.
Squadron member, Greg Engler, deployed his research abilities and provided obituaries for many memorials on "In Memoriam." Greg also reported a number of necessary fixes. That process is ongoing.
Sadly, Cdr. Norman Green passed away and I added a memorial for him. In addition, I developed a memorial for James J. D'Ambrosio. Contributions to any memorial are always welcome.
In June, I'll finish improvements to "Scarborough Photos" and "Photo Gallery."
Additional improvements and additions:
April was a month of transition. The entire site's software was moved to a new server on GoDaddy, our internet-host provider. It wasn't without software problems that necessitated a complete quality assurance effort. Squadron member Greg Engler helped with an independent Q.A. If you find anything that doesn't work or looks not quite right, please contact me via "Contact the Webmaster" on main pages.
(5/6/23) Added rare photos of the RF-8 Crusader simulator to "We Love Crusaders." Use the Quick Navigation button at the top to go to it quickly.
Some pages have taken on a new look. Check out "Faces of VFP-62" to see what's been done to improve the visual appearance of photos and text. For squadron members: there is plenty of room for more photos. Go through those dusty boxes in your attic.
Our site is now more secure! First, a firewall has been installed to protect against hackers getting access to files and installing malware. Additionally, visitors are automatically logged in as https:// assuring them that our site is safe.
I have started a quality assurance effort to improve all of the pages on the site. This includes fixing broken links (those that don't execute anymore), improvements in navigation around the site, and adding newly received squadron information. You'll be hearing about these new additons in the months ahead. This site is alive and well!
(April, 2023):Great news to report: We conducted a fundraiser and now, vfp62.com has been funded by generous squadron members until 2033! The names of those who contributed are listed at the top of the "Home" page" and bottom of "External Links and Acknowledgement" page.
(3/8/23) Sadly, a former squadron member, Glenn James "Bud" Moore AMC, passed away. I Posted a memorial for him on our "In Memoriam" page. Check it out.
It's always special when I receive VFP-62 memorabilia from family members interested in perpetuating their father's legacy. So was the case with Jean Marshall, daughter of Lt. D. S. Ward, pilot of VC-62 Det. 31-56 USS Coral Sea (CVA-43). That period in our squadron lacks the content of later years and Jean provided some excellent photos for our "VFP-62 Memorabilia" page.
Thank you for your support and visit.
Ken Jack, webmaster
(April 2023) With the help of Greg Engler, we have found photos for all but two commanding officers. In the future, memorials will be added for those who passed away.
Added information on a new book about photo reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. It coveres RF-8 photo squadrons VFP-63, Marine's VMCJ-1, and VFP-62.
New photos from the movie "Thirteen Days" have been added, including artwork from the movie storyboard, which shows our Crusaders "Going Feet Wet" after a mission over nuclear missile sites. Also, a marvelous photo of the USS Enterprise during the Cuban blockade withour RF-8A Bu No 145645 parked upfront on the flightdeck. This aircraft has been restored and on exhibit at Battleship Memorial Park Mobile, AL.
Added a new article on NAS Cecil Field. Scroll down to "Memories of Life at VFP-62" then further to "NAS Cecil Field." This article looks back when the navy owned the field then to present day usuage.
(April 2023) Added a new page of photos for USS Constellation Det. 64-62. More will be added soon. Use the top navigation button to go to "1960 and later detachments."
for most recent additions