Dramatic Photo with the RF-8 Climbing Ahead of Shooting Flares Courtesy Eric Nelson
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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!
About vfp62.com
Home Page:
The landing page for our site. It has examples of excellent photos that depict the beauty of the RF-8 Crusader and VFP-62's great photos of historical events.
Bulletin Board:
A source of recent information; links to Bulletin/Mail Call archives, USS Forrestal (CVA-59) information and other general interest.
Squadron History:
The history of VC-62 and VFP-62 from 1949 to 1968. Many interesting photos of F2H-2P Banshee, F9F-6/8P Courgar aircraft.
Cuban Missile Crisis:
A deep dive into VFP-62's role in the most serious crisis of the Cold War. Many photos, stories and information tell the unknown story.
Vienam Operations:
VFP-62 made one Vietnam War cruise. Many photos tell that story. Also highlighted is the West Coast photo squadron, VFP-63's major contribution.
We Love Crusaders:
The RF-8 A/G photo Crusader, one of the world's most popular jets, is explored from many angles. Included are models, mishaps, restorations, and many unknnown facts.
Faces of VFP-62:
Thirteen pages of VC-62/VFP-62 officers and enlisted photos from all eras of the squadrons
Photo Gallery:
A multi-page display of our best photos.
Scarborough Photos:
A multi-page display of Chief Photographer Mate, Art Scarborough, photos
Guest Log:
A multi-page display of former VFP-62 members telling their memories of VFP-62. A "Buddy Finder" database of contributors provides quick navigation links to their information.
Sea Stories:
Eight pages of humorous and unknown tales of service in VFP-62.
VFP-62 Memorabilia:
A large compilation of VC-62/VFP-62 detachment life and memories supported by photos and News Letters.
VFP-62 Skippers:
A compilation of the VC-62/VFP-62 Commanding Officers.
External Links:
Many useful and interesting links for everyone to enjoy.
In Memoriam:
Memorials to VC-62/VFP-62 officers and enlisted.
Odds 'n Ends:
Six pages of extrordinary topics: Modern-Day Weapons Systems, WW II, Aviation Topics, Carrier Ops, Modern Wars, and Space Topics
Webmaster's message:
I hope the above helps new visitors navigate our large site and locate topics of their interest.
Google Analytics Site Statistics for August 14, 2024 to September 10, 2024:
509 users (495 new):
Most popular: "RF-8 Mishaps."
#2 "Cuban Missile Crisis"
#3 "We Love Crusaders)"
#4 "Photo Gallery"
Followed by: "Guest Log", "Vietnam Operations".
Sample of visitors' countries
US (252), UK (33), Japan (17), France (16), Russia (14), Germany (10), Brazil (9), Spain (9) and, Canada (8).
Contributions are always welcome, as well as your comments. 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.
(7/15/23) Added information on a new book (Eyes of the Fleet Over Vietnam) about photo reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. It covers RF-8 photo squadrons VFP-63, Marine's VMCJ-1, and VFP-62.
(7/15/24) Added an article by William Beiriger PH2. He describes his VFP-63 Vietnam War detachment aboard the USS Oriskany. Included is the Oriskany's disastorous fire. Use the Page Navigation option selecting VFP-63 (West Coast RF-8 Squadron).
There's so much to enjoy, read and learn from the material. For instance, don't pass up the "Soviet Perspective of the Cuban Missile Crisis, written by a Russian. There is an abundance of photos. And, also the story of VFP-62's role in the "Bay of Pigs Invasion" written by a VFP-62 enlisted man on the carrier.
(8/20/23) Added photo from Robert Stiles's son Barry for his 1956-57 USS Intrepid detachment.
(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."
Did you know, there is a database link at the top of the pages that will give you a list, by year served, of all squadron members who have written a message. Click on the name and it will take you to his section.