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. Our site does not use cookies. We do not obtain any personal information. We do use Google Analytics to assess site and file usuage in order to improve site content.
Our Bulletin Board page offers a lot of interesting information. For that reason, I created Bulletin Board Archive pages. The link is at the top of the Bulletin Board. I recently removed broken links and general software improvements that will make navigation easier. Check it out.
Contributions are always welcome, as well as your comments. Thank you for your support and visit.
Ken Jack, webmaster
Updated Topics by Site Page Organization
Click on the link to go to the page
Vietnam Operations: (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).
Guest Log Page 2: Made navigation improvements and updated message content.
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.
(4/18/25) Photo School: Added photos and story of photomate Jerry Rickerson Jr PH3, the first African American in Photo School 1951.
(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.
(5/6/23) Added photos of the RF-8 Crusader simulator. Use the "Quick Navigation" button at the top to go to it quickly.
(1/25/25) Added a YouTube audio link that has the communication of a pilot's wingman talking to the USS Enterprise Tower that his wingman had lost his canopy and needed an emergency landing. Scroll to "Crusader Accidents and other Mishaps" to get the page of Crusader Mishaps.
About vfp62.com