Author Archives: Chad Derrington

Passing of VP-4 Vet AMS3 Ronald Buchnat VP-4 1964 – 1967

Posted on 25 Nov 2015 | Comments Off on Passing of VP-4 Vet AMS3 Ronald Buchnat VP-4 1964 – 1967

Another Skinny Dragon has fallen.

!cid_ii_ihbewwtw1_1513273df0955926 !cid_ii_ihbeyhuv2_1513274feaeb9cc4 !cid_ii_ihbeyz6k3_151327556e718950 !cid_ii_ihdywn294_1513ba9903dc3e4b

Ron Buchnat, age 70, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2015. Ron is survived by his wife: Ursula; daughter: Anastasia “Stacey”; and sister: Ruth Ann Buchnat of Jones, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents: Jerome and Charlotte Buchnat. Ron taught reading and communications for 34 years at Heritage Middle School in Lansing, IL. He was a member of St. Michael Church in Schererville, IN, a member of the Sauk Village Moose Lodge and served in the U.S. Navy as an airplane mechanic during the Vietnam Conflict. Ron was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed competitive shooting matches. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, November 29, 2015 at the c from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. Memorial offerings may be given in Ron’s name to: The Nature Conservancy, 620 East Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202. Arrangements entrusted to Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN. View and/or sign guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com or contact 219-663-2500.
​

Ron had been active in recruiting VP-4 vets to attend our reunions. He made these entries on his Rallypoint.com profile

I was a structural mechanic and I was an air crewman for a short time. I flew the bow/mad position in the old P2V7 Neptune. After our 1st deployment to Iwakuni, Japan & Southeast Asia my squadron transitioned to the P3-A Orion Aircraft. On our 2nd deployment to the same places, we lost a P3 (YD-6) in April 28, 1967. All hand were lost, the cause of crash was never determined. While in VP-4, I did some work in the line crew, night check, check crew and airframes. I left the squadron in Dec. , 1967 and was discharged from the Navy in Jan. 1968 from Great Lakes Naval training Center.

I retired in 2005 from the education field. I taught high school in Chicago for 1 year and junior high for 1 year. I then went and taught Remedial Reading and Communications in Sunnybrook School District #171 for the next 31 years. I really enjoyed my years in the education field. While teaching, I also worked in general aviation.

—

Larry Hames
VP-4 1975 – 1978
VP-4 Veterans Assn Database Manager

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Posted in Fallen Shipmates

Passing of VP-4 Vet LCDR Joseph E. McDaniels USN (Ret) VP-4 1961 – 1965

Posted on 11 Nov 2015 | Comments Off on Passing of VP-4 Vet LCDR Joseph E. McDaniels USN (Ret) VP-4 1961 – 1965

LCDR McDaniels was an LDO Avionics Officer who served in VP-4 from 1961 – 1965 as a Navigator/TACCO and Avionics Division Officer. Photos are from the 1962 Okinawa book.

McDaniels, Joseph E. 2 McDaniels, Joseph ESAN ANTONIO, TX – Joseph Eugene McDaniels LCDR (Ret.), 83, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Springfield, Ill., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015.
He was born April 26, 1932, in Buffalo Hart, the son of Joseph Lee and Marcella Stanfield McDaniel. He married Helen Douglass on Nov. 18, 1952.
Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he retired after 27 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Beverly Ann Azra and Ellen Fancher.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; one daughter, Patricia Geraty of Eden Prairie, Minn.; and two sons, Joseph Lee McDaniels of Jacksonville, Fla., and James Robert McDaniels of Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015, at Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at Mechanicsburg Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, Ill.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Wounded Warrior Project.
Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702 is in charge of arrangements. Visit our online obituary at www.ellingerkunzfuneralhome.com.
Published in The State Journal-Register on Nov. 15, 2015
– See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sj-r/obituary.aspx?n=Joseph-Eugene-McDaniels&pid=176508224#sthash.NsayD3Us.dpuf

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Posted in Fallen Shipmates

Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) Commemorative Coin

Posted on 08 Nov 2015 | Comments Off on Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) Commemorative Coin

From: Brian LaFlamme

After over a year in the making, it is finally here and ready for you or a special Christmas gift to someone. This coin is exceptional with nice color on the front, 3-D design of a P-3 flying over Oahu on the back, a diagonal cut edge, and a good heft to it. I only had 50 made so as not to conflict with Tommy Johnson and there are only 44 left. The price was slightly higher because of the smaller order yet you will not be disappointed. I am tagging on to a friend’s website to sell these coins, so to purchase your coin go to

http://www.chupamacabre.com/product/patrol-squadron-four-vp-4-commemorative-coin/

The coins will be shipped via USPS with insurance and tracking. Please check out the rest of the Chupamacabre website for unique gifts.

vp-4 coins

 

This coin may have special meaning to you if you know someone that served on Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) based in Hawaii. “The Skinny Dragons” are a highly recognized and honored squadron of the United States Navy, playing key roles in the Vietnam War and Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

The coin is two-dimensional on the colorful dragon side with a three-dimensional embossment on the back. Quantities are very limited. This order qualifies for free shipping!

These products will be fulfilled by an outside vendor.

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Posted in General

1992 VP-4 Squadron Roster

Posted on 04 Oct 2015 | Comments Off on 1992 VP-4 Squadron Roster

[table caption=”Roster” width=”500″
colwidth=”10|50|20|50|50″ colalign=”left|left|left|left|left”]
No,Name,Rank,Photos on Page(s),Position
,Commanding Officers,,,
1,”Cashbaugh, David “,CDR,2,C.O. Apr 1992 – 16 Apr 1993
2,”Hall, Marshall A.”,CDR,3,XO – CO 16 Apr 1993 – 1 Apr 1994
,Officers,,,
3,Angeli,LT,16,Crew 1
4,Art,LT,”32, 51″,Crew 9 SMO/NSO
5,Ausman,LT,28,Crew 7
6,Banard,LCDR,18,Crew 2 HSO/DAPA
7,Bennett,LT,26,Crew 6 Safety Natops
8,Bienvenue,LT,43,Medical
9,Boerger,LCDR,34,Crew 10
10,Brennan,LT,”16, 47″,Crew 1 Tactics
11,Brickman,LT,36,Crew 11
12,Burleigh,LTJG,,
13,Carey,LT,30,Crew 8
14,Carlisle,LT,”30, 36″,”Crew 8, Crew 11″
15,Carrol,LT,20,Crew 3 Safety Natops
16,Chinman,LTJG,36,Crew 11
17,Clautice,LT,”26, 47″,Crew 6 Tactics
18,Colmen,CWO3,57,Material Control
19,Daniel,LT,,
20,Danielson,LT,34,Crew 10
21,De La Garza,LT,”28, 34, 61″,”Crew 7, Crew 10 SMO/NSO”
22,Delaney,LT,18,Crew 2
23,Easterling,LCDR,”26, 54″,Crew 6 AMO
24,Eastman,LT,34,Crew 10
25,Elston,LT,28,Crew 7 Safety Natops
26,Fleming,LTJG,24,Crew 5
27,Foppiano,LTJG,41,HSO/DAPA
28,Frye,LT,26,Crew 6 Safety Natops
29,Fulgham,LT,”30, 52″,Crew 8 COMM/CMS
30,Gardinal,LT,54,MMCO
31,Gilmer,LT,,
32,Gnibus,LT,50,AIO
33,Grunder,LT,”28, 42″,Crew 7 Legal
34,Haloburdo,LT,30,Crew 8
35,Harrington,LTJG,22,Crew 4
36,Hill,LT,,
37,Holbrook,CWO4,57,Material Control
38,Hulse,ENS,,
39,Jenson,LT,22,Crew 4
40,Johnson,LCDR,36. 54,Crew 11 MO
41,Kelly,LTJG,32,Crew 9
42,Kim,LT,”34, 41″,Crew 10 HSO/DAPA
43,Klepper,LCDR,46,Operations
44,Lanoue,LT,20,Crew 3
45,Lawson,LCDR,18,Crew 2 Safety Natops
46,Lewis,LT,16,Crew 1 Safety Natops
47,Lilienstein,ENS,,
48,Macquoid,LT,24,Crew 5
49,Mantay,LT,”36, 46″,Crew 11 Operations
50,McGee,LT,20,Crew 3 Operations
51,O’Connor,LT,28,Crew 7
52,Phillips,LTJG,,
53,Ralston,LT,22,Crew 4
54,Robinson,LT,16,Crew 1
55,Saiki,LT,”26, 47″,Crew 6 Tactics
56,Salomon,LCDR,”32, 47″,Crew 9 Tactics
57,Sapsis,LTJG,18,Crew 2
58,Scanlon,LT,”22, 47″,Crew 4 Tactics
59,Scarry,LT,16,Crew 1
60,Slocum,LT,”18, 47″,Crew 2 Tactics
61,Smith,LCDR,”36, 46″,Crew 11 Operations
62,Spiers,LT,”22, 51″,Crew 4 SMO/NSO
63,Springer,LT,20,Crew 3 HSO/DAPA
64,Swanson,LT,34,Crew 10
65,Tamashiro,LT,20,Crew 3
66,Thomure,LT,”32, 51″,Crew 9 SMO/NSO
67,Tregoning,LT,32,Crew 9 HSO/DAPA
68,Westerkom,ENS,24,Crew 5
69,Wooden,LT,24,Crew 5

,Chiefs,,,
70,Baranda,ASC,58,Tool Room
71,Barbour,AMHC,55,Maint Control
72,Boroughs,AWC,”24, 47, 48/49″,Crew 5 Tactics AW’s
73,Cheyney,ADCS,55,Maint Control
74,Clark,PRC,,PR/AME Shop
75,Davis,PRCS,,
76,Gorman,ATC,36,Crew 11
77,Grogan,AWC,48/49,Operations AW’s Safety Natops
78,Hagood,AWC,”34, 48/49″,Crew 10 AW’s Safety Natops
79,Hollingworth,AEC,55,Maint Control
80,Holzboog,AVCM,4,
81,Hunt,ADCS,34,Crew 10 FE
82,Kascsak,ADC,41,HSO/DAPA FE
83,Kelley,AEC,,FE
84,Land,YNC,38,Administration
85,McEntee,ATCS,,QA
86,Quiogue,ADC,”55, 67″,Maint Control Power Plants
87,Read,AWC,”30, 48/49″,Crew 8 AW’s
88,Rhoads,AZC,56,Maint Admin
89,Sanftner,ADC,55,Maint Control
90,Shields,ATC,56,Maint Admin
91,Stair,AVCM,54,MMCPO

,Enlisted,,,
92,Adams,YN3,38,Administration
93,Adams,ATAN,70,AIMD
94,Aitken,HM3,43,Medical
95,Akiona,AE2,”30, 59, 60″,Crew 8 FE AE’s
96,Allen,ADAN,,
97,Anderson,PN1,42,CC
98,Anderson,AE1,60,AE’s
99,Anderson,AD2,62,Line Shop
100,Angel,AD2,”18, 59″,Crew 2 FE
101,Armendariz,AE2,70,AIMD
102,Ashby,AWAN,62,Line Shop
103,Ates,AW1,”26, 48/49″,Crew 6 AW’s
104,Avery,AT3,61,AT’s
105,Badger,AT3,61,AT’s
106,Bailey,AA,62,Line Shop
107,Barney,AE1,69,QA
108,Barnstein,AO3,70,AIMD
109,Baskin,PR3,68,PR/AME Shop
110,Baumgardner,AW3,”24, 32, 47, 48/49″,”Crew 5, Crew 9 Tactics AW’s”
111,Bayani,PR3,68,PR/AME Shop
112,Beabes,AME1,68,PR/AME Shop
113,Beauman,AN,,
114,Beeson,AD2,,
115,Berryman,AK3,57,Material Control
116,Bertram,AE1,”60,”,AE’s
117,Bertsch,AO2,”24, 64/65″,Crew 5 Ordnance Shop
118,Bitzelberger,AW2,”16, 47, 48/49″,Crew 1 Tactics AW’s
119,Bitzer,AN,,
120,Blain,IS3,50,AIO
121,Booker,AN,39,Personnel
122,Brown,AO3,64/65,Ordnance Shop
123,Brown,AW2,”16, 34, 47, 48/49″,”Crew 1, Crew 10 Tactics AW’s”
124,Buel,AMH3,70,AIMD
125,Byrne,AT2,”20, 61″,Crew 3 AT’s
126,Callaghan,AE3,”20, 59″,Crew 3 FE
127,Camacho,AT1,”16, 61″,Crew 1 AT’s
128,Cambell,AN,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
129,Campbell,AW1,”36, 48/49″,Crew 11 AW’s
130,Carden,AN,,
131,Carter,AT3,18,Crew 2
132,Castle,AT3,61,AT’s
133,Cathey,AW2,”16, 48/49″,Crew 1 AW’s
134,Chaffin,YN3,38,Administration
135,Clark,AT2,70,AIMD
136,Clark,AZ2,55,Maint Control
137,Clay,AO3,66,Corrosion Shop
138,Coffelt,AW3,”20, 48/49″,Crew 3 AW’s
139,Coladonato,AMS3,59,FE
140,Cole,ADAN,,
141,Colmer,AW3,”22, 48/49″,Crew 4 AW’s
142,Cook,AD2,67,Power Plants
143,Courtney,DK1,40,
144,Cousins,AMH2,63,Airframes
145,Cuento,AD3,”66, 67″,Corrosion Shop Power Plants
146,Cunningham,AW3,”28, 48/49″,Crew 7 AW’s
147,Davis,AO1,64/65,Ordnance Shop
148,Davis,ADAN,”36, 59″,Crew 11 FE
149,Davis,AMH2,”34, 59″,Crew 10 FE
150,Demarino,AO2,,
151,Depew,AMH2,63,Airframes
152,Derrington,AO3,64/65,Ordnance Shop
153,Dewald,AO2,64/65,Ordnance Shop
154,Dorpinghaus,AE2,”30, 59″,Crew 8 FE
155,Dozier,AE1,”20, 59″,Crew 3 FE
156,Duplito,AD3,70,AIMD
157,Durante,AW2,”18, 48/49″,Crew 2 Operations AW’s
158,Durrance,AW2,”28, 48/49, 53″,Crew 7 AW’s Safety Natops
159,Duszkiewicz,AMS2,66,Corrosion Shop
160,Dutrieux,AMS2,”18, 59″,Crew 2 FE
161,Dwyer,AMS1,”52, 66″,COMM/CMS Corrosion Shop
162,Eagle,AO1,”22, 64/65″,Crew 4 Ordnance Shop
163,Edgren,AW2,”18, 48/49″,Crew 2 AW’s
164,Edwards,AME3,68,PR/AME Shop
165,Esteves,AMSAN,66,Corrosion Shop
166,Ferguson,AT2,70,AIMD
167,Ferrera,AMS1,63,Airframes
168,Festervand,AT3,70,AIMD
169,Fischer,PRAN,”68, 70″,PR/AME Shop AIMD
170,Flinn,AO1,”34, 64/65″,Crew 10 Ordnance Shop
171,Fluegel,PH2,”26, 50″,Crew 6 AIO
172,Fox,AT3,”61, 70″,AT’s AIMD
173,Frees,AO2,”36, 53, 64/65″,Crew 11 Safety Natops Ordnance Shop
174,Garrett,AA,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
175,Garver,AW2,”18, 48/49″,Crew 2 AW’s
176,Glenn,AE3,60,AE’s
177,Godboldte,AD2,67,Power Plants
178,Gonzales,AW2,”20, 48/49″,Crew 3 AW’s
179,Grady,MS3,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
180,Grant,AA,66,Corrosion Shop
181,Grider,ATAN,61,AT’s
182,Grisham,AD1,59,FE
183,Hannah,AE3,60,AE’s
184,Hanson,AWAN,”32, 48/49″,Crew 9 AW’s
185,Harn,AT3,61,AT’s
186,Harris,AK3,57,Material Control
187,Hart,AW2,48/49, AW’s
188,Hill,AO3,”16, 64/65″,Crew 1 Ordnance Shop
189,Houck,AD2,67,Power Plants
190,House,PR1,68,PR/AME Shop
191,Housley,AN,60,AE’s
192,Howard,AMS2,,
193,Huitt,AT2,70,AIMD
194,Hume,AT1,,
195,Jackson,AE3,60,AE’s
196,Jacobs,AD2,67,Power Plants
197,Jacques,AO3,64/65,Ordnance Shop
198,Jones,PR3,”68, 70″,PR/AME Shop AIMD
199,Jones,AMSAN,,
200,Jordan,AT3,61,AT’s
201,Julian,AE2,”28, 59″,Crew 7 FE
202,Kidson,AO1,”28, 64/65″,Crew 7 Ordnance Shop
203,Kilmartin,AMSAN,63,Airframes
204,Kinchen,YN3,38,Administration Operations
205,Kinney,AMHAN,63,Airframes
206,Kinney,AMH1,”36, 59″,Crew 11 FE
207,Kirk,YN1,38. 52,Administration COMM/CMS
208,Knight,AK1,57,Material Control
209,Kosler,AMH2,”32, 59″,Crew 9 FE
210,Lamothe,AD1,”24, 59″,Crew 5 FE
211,Lancaster,ADAN,”22, 59″,Crew 4 FE
212,Lapierre,AMS1,”24, 59″,Crew 5 FE
213,Lee,AO1,32,Crew 9
214,Lefemine,AW3,”20, 48/49″,Crew 3 AW’s
215,Leslie,PN1,39,Personnel
216,Ling,AW1,48/49, AW’s
217,Loge,AMSAN,70,AIMD
218,Lundborg,AW2,48/49, AW’s
219,Lunsford,AN,62,Line Shop
220,Lyles,MS2,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
221,Maddock,AE3,60,AE’s
222,Marini,AE3,60,AE’s
223,Marty,AW2,”30, 48/49″,Crew 8 AW’s
224,Mayberry,AW2,26,Crew 6
225,Mayer,AD1,67,Power Plants
226,McClafferty,ATAN,”61, 70″,AT’s AIMD
227,McClellan,AN,62,Line Shop
228,McClintock,AW2,16,Crew 1 Operations
229,McDaniel,YN2,38,Administration
230,McDaniel,AMS2,63,Airframes
231,McGregor,AD3,70,AIMD
232,McLearran,AT3,61,AT’s
233,McMullen,AD3,67,Power Plants
234,McNeal,AZ2,56,Maint Admin
235,Meath,AE1,”22, 59″,Crew 4 FE
236,Medows,ADAN,67,Power Plants
237,Mejia,MS2,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
238,Metcalfe,AT1,”22, 61″,Crew 4 AT’s
239,Michalak,AW3,48/49, AW’s
240,Miller,PH3,50,AIO
241,Montana,ATAN,70,AIMD
242,Montez,AK3,57,Material Control
243,Moore,AW2,”32, 48/49″,Crew 9 AW’s
244,Moss,AK3,57,Material Control
245,Moyd,ADAN,,
246,Mullins,AN,60,AE’s
247,Neilson,AT3,61,AT’s
248,Nelson,AME3,68,PR/AME Shop
249,Neri,AD1,,
250,Nguyen,ADAN,,
251,Nuebling,AT3,,
252,O’Leary,AE2,59,FE
253,Odell,AD2,67,Power Plants
254,Pabona,AE3,60,AE’s
255,Pakaki,AZ1,56,Maint Admin
256,Perry,AN,62,Line Shop
257,Peterson,AT2,,
258,Pettis,AMS1,69,QA
259,Plauman,ATAN,”34, 61″,Crew 10 AT’s
260,Prather,AW3,”28, 48/49″,Crew 7 AW’s
261,Probansky,AZ1,69,QA
262,Quesada,AD2,67,Power Plants
263,Quinones,AT1,61,AT’s
264,Ramey,AT3,66,Corrosion Shop
265,Ramirez,PN3,39,Personnel
266,Randolph,AT3,”28, 53″,Crew 7 Safety Natops
267,Rash,AT3,70,AIMD
268,Reynolds,AE1,24,Crew 5
269,Reynolds,MSSN,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
270,Robinson,AKAN,57,Material Control
271,Roper,IS2,50,AIO
272,Rovreit,AT3,”24, 61″,Crew 5 AT’s
273,Rowell,AE2,70,AIMD
274,Ruleau,AME1,68,PR/AME Shop
275,Russ,AO2,”18, 58″,Crew 2 Tool Room
276,Salcido,AMH1,”28, 59, 69″,Crew 7 FE QA
277,Salter,AZ2,55,Maint Control
278,Saramo,DK2,40,
279,Schiele,AW3,”36, 48/49″,Crew 11 AW’s
280,Schmies,YNSN,38,Administration Operations
281,Schneider,AT3,61,AT’s
282,Schneider,AMSAN,66,Corrosion Shop
283,Schraven,ADAN,”16, 59″,Crew 1 FE
284,Seedorf,HM2,43,Medical
285,Sevier,AT3,61,AT’s
286,Shaffer,AT2,70,AIMD
287,Shaw,AO2,64/65,Ordnance Shop
288,Sims,AW2,48/49, AW’s
289,Sims,YN2,38,Administration
290,Singletary,AMS1,,
291,Slone,PH3,50,AIO
292,Smith,AT2,70,AIMD
293,Snyder,AN,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
294,Souls,AZ2,69,QA
295,Staley,ADAN,58,Tool Room
296,Stamey,YN2,38,Administration
297,Stewart,AD1,,
298,Stoddard,AW1,48/49, AW’s
299,Stone,AS2,62,Line Shop
300,Stroud,AT3,70,AIMD
301,Sumerall,AO2,”26, 64/65″,Crew 6 Ordnance Shop
302,Swanson,DP1,52,COMM/CMS
303,Takase,PN1,39,Personnel
304,Talamoa,AE2,60,AE’s
305,Terwilliger,AW3,”30, 48/49″,Crew 8 AW’s
306,Thoemmes,AMSAN,,
307,Thompson,AT3,”32, 61″,Crew 9 AT’s
308,Thompson,AT3,,
309,Thompson,AO1,69,QA
310,Towk,AOAN,”20, 64/65″,Crew 3 Ordnance Shop
311,Trimble,AW1,”47, 48/49″,Operations Tactics AW’s
312,Tuggle,AMEAN,68,PR/AME Shop
313,Uter,AK2,57,Material Control
314,Vanvalkenburgh,PC3,42,PC
315,Vaughn,AMH2,”26, 53, 59″,Crew 6 FE Safety Natops
316,Villa,AT3,30,Crew 8
317,Wallace,AWAN,”24, 48/49″,Crew 5 AW’s
318,Wareham,ATAN,61,AT’s
319,Wareham,AW1,”22, 48/49″,Crew 4 AW’s
320,Warren,ATAN,26,Crew 6
321,Warringer,AWAN,34,Crew 10
322,Watson,AMS3,70,AIMD
323,Wilkins,MS3,44/45,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
324,Williams,AD2,67,Power Plants
325,Wilson,AMS1,63,Airframes
326,Wingate,AW2,”36, 48/49″,Crew 11 AW’s
327,Winget,AMSAN,63,Airframes
328,Winslow,YN3,38,Administration Operations
329,Wiseman,MS1,,Coffee Mess / First Lieutenant
330,Wood,AT2,61,AT’s
331,Wren,AE3,70,AIMD
332,Wynn,AWAN,48/49, AW’s
333,Yarrington,AT1,53,Safety Natops
334,Zavodny,AO1,”30, 64/65″,Crew 8 Ordnance Shop
335,Zuniga,AT3,”61, 70″,AT’s AIMD

[/table]

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Posted in General, VP-4 History

Tagged ,

JMSDF Detachment visits Kaneohe Bay

Posted on 30 Sep 2015 | Comments Off on JMSDF Detachment visits Kaneohe Bay

LT Jan R. Krsak
Public Affairs Officer
VP-4 Kaneohe Bay, HI

On Monday, September 21 2015, The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Detachment 50 from Patrol Squadron 5 arrived at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. JMSDF Patrol Squadron 5 is based in Naha Air Base on the island of Okinawa and currently flies the P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Over a span of 4,500 miles, the squadron managed to bring two aircraft and full maintenance support. JMSDF will be working in conjunction with Patrol Squadron 4 (VP-4) for about three weeks aiming to foster international relations and cohesiveness between the JMSDF and United States Navy.

On Friday, September 25, the JMSDF conducted a local area familiarization flight with one of VP-4’s combat air crews. “I was impressed with their professionalism and crew cohesiveness. I was also fascinated by how well maintained and clean their aircraft was.” Said LT Jack Turner, a pilot assigned to VP-4.

The detachment is projected to conduct a torpedo exercise and joint coordinated operations with U.S. Navy ships and aircraft. The exercises designed to continuously contribute to honorable international relations between the JMSDF and United States Navy.

Japan navy

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Posted in Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, VP-4 History, VP-4 News

Tagged ,

Post reunion survey for the 2015 VP-4 All Hands Reunion

Posted on 18 Sep 2015 | Comments Off on Post reunion survey for the 2015 VP-4 All Hands Reunion

Create your own user feedback survey

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Posted in Events, General, VP-4 Association News, VP-4 Association Reunion, VP-4 Association Website Updates and News

Survey coming for the attendees of the 2015 Reunion

Posted on 18 Sep 2015 | Comments Off on Survey coming for the attendees of the 2015 Reunion

Hi folks,

There will be a survey coming out VERY soon about the 2015 VP-4 Association All Hands Reunion that was held in New Orleans.  I’m putting out this post to let you all know it’s coming, and to let you know the super secret password to fill out the survey.  We’ll be publishing the survey here and through Facebook.

The password is ….  VP4Ever

If you access the survey through the website here, and not the Facebook link that’s coming you will need that password.  If you access the survey through Facebook, you will not need the password.

 

Cheers,

Chad

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Posted in Events, VP-4 Association News, VP-4 Association Reunion, VP-4 Association Website Updates and News

2017 VP-4 Reunion?

Posted on 17 Sep 2015 | Comments Off on 2017 VP-4 Reunion?
When’s the next reunion you ask? Where will it be held? Will there be free booze and soda/coffee in the “Ready Room”? Will Chad be there?
 
These are all great questions, and I (your humble web admin) will try and answer them for you.
 
The next VP-4 All Hands Reunion will be held sometime in the late summer or early fall (think September to Mid October) of 2017 in Washington DC. As always with this squadron, there will be a no host bar in the hospitality/”ready room”, so make sure you have paid your membership dues so we’re not stuck drinking Pepsi Blue and rotgut whiskey.
Start planning and putting the word out to your shipmates so we can make this the best reunion in the history of reunions!

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Posted in VP-4 Association Reunion

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Patrol Squadron Four conducted a search and rescue mission September 2015

Posted on 17 Sep 2015 | Comments Off on Patrol Squadron Four conducted a search and rescue mission September 2015

The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and good Samaritans aboard a fishing boat helped rescue a sailing vessel that was taking on water Wednesday, September 9th approximately 30 miles north of the island of Maui. At around 11:45 a.m., the 36-foot Honey Cutter enroute from Hawaii to San Diego sent a SOS message that stated the vessel had suffered a keel fracture and was taking on water.

The Coast Guard requested help last week from Patrol Squadron Four based in Kaneohe Bay and good Samaritans on board the Captain Kenneth, located approximately 40 miles from the Honey Cutter. The Navy’s P-3C Orion arrived on scene and quickly established communications with the distressed vessel. The crew remained overhead for several hours and coordinated the arrival of the Captain Kenneth to the scene. The efforts of the aircrew helped ensure a successful meet up and tow with the two boats. Were it not for the capabilities and training of the aircraft and crew, the distressed boat may have capsized into the ocean stranding the crew. The Honey Cutter crew said they were prepared to abandon ship and were manually dewatering the vessel. The Captain Kenneth arrived on scene and was able to start towing the Honey Cutter at around 11 p.m. No injuries have been reported.

-LT Krsak
Patrol Squadron Four PAO.

VP-4 P-3

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Posted in Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, VP-4 News

Emerson, John “Jack” Robert, CAPT, VP-4 Pilot and XO/CO – 1954-1956 and 1968/1969-1970

Posted on 20 Aug 2015 | Comments Off on Emerson, John “Jack” Robert, CAPT, VP-4 Pilot and XO/CO – 1954-1956 and 1968/1969-1970

1969-1970 Cruise Book Page 02 PG-007 886739Captain John R. Emerson USN (Ret), age 93, was born March 26, 1922 and passed August 11, 2015 at home in Bend, Oregon. Born in Busby, Alberta, Canada to John Robert MacDonald Ritchie and Jessie Whitson Carmichael (Emerson) (Ritchie) (Urquhart). Mother and sons moved to Oakland, California in 1924, becoming US citizen in 1940. He is survived by Alice, his wife and childhood sweetheart of 70 years to whom he gives much credit for her support and adaptability, and his six children John, Janice, Phillip, Kenneth, Scott. His son Ross preceded him.

He joined the Navy in July 1942 in hopes of becoming a Naval Aviation Pilot. Trained as an aviation machinist mate, southwest pacific bases became his assignment. In 1944, he was offered a temporary officer commission or enlisted flight training. He joined the Navy to fly. One of his first aircraft was a Stearman biplane, wearing a leather helmet and a pigskin jacket, which is still wearable today. In the latter years, when someone asked for a new flight jacket, Capt. Emerson said “Have a seat, let me tell you about my jacket.”

Aviation Pilot First Class Emerson flew with FASRON 119 in Saipan, Marianas Islands taking on the roles of maintenance officer, technical librarian and operations officer. The squadron received a perfect audit for the first time. Assigned to VR-3 (Moffett Field), he made chief in 1951 and was one of the Navy’s first pilots to fly and instruct in the R6D (C-118) aircraft. From 1953-55, he was one of 15 APs to acquire a regular officer commission, completing 2 years of college equivalency in 1 to graduate as a Naval Aviator. In 1962 he received his BS degree and in 1971 two Masters degrees at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif.

20+ aircraft later, became Commanding Officer of VP-4, a Pentagon Navy planner, CinC-PacFlt staff in Hawaii until 1981, his last assignment was as CO of Naval Air Reserve Unit, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.

With his retirement in Sept 1982, Capt. Emerson brought to a close 40 years of continuous naval service, marking the end of a special breed of Navy flyers – Naval Aviation Pilots (NAPs) whose national association is known as the Silver Eagles. Occasionally someone would look at his original flight jacket and ask “What is an AP1?”. The ex-enlisted pilot would smile and say, “Have a seat, let me tell you all about it.”
– See more at: http://www.bairdmortuaries.com/obituary/John-R.-Emerson/Bend-OR/1536929#sthash.K3h2zA44.dpuf

 

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Posted in Fallen Shipmates

VP-4 Coins

Posted on 19 Aug 2015 | Comments Off on VP-4 Coins

From a Facebook post by Brian LaFlamme

I saw a post almost a year ago about a VP-4 coin. I would like to see this happen so I have been working with http://www.militaryservicecompany.com to come up with a design (Skinny Dragon on the front and a P-3 flying over Oahu on the back. The attached photos show the design, the diagonal edge, and an example of the 3D look.
I am not selling these coins as I do not want to make a profit, so I am looking for “donations” to cover the cost of the coin, packaging, and postage. However, I need a minimum of 100 people to make this happen. Based on the cost of the coin, packaging, postage, I expect the per coin cost at ~$15.00. The only thing I do not have worked out is the “donation”, e.g., payment by check to a PO Box or by PayPay through a friend’s website. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Let’s do this!!!

Coin Specifics:
Material: Bronze soft enamel;
Size:1.75″, diameter, round shape;
Color: 5c on front, without color on back;
Diagonal cut edge (as attached photo);
Antique silver plating; and
3 sides polishing.

Example of the design
Diagonal cut edge Example
Antique silver plating Example

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Posted in General

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VP-4 moving to NAS Whidbey Island, WA

Posted on 21 Jul 2015 | Comments Off on VP-4 moving to NAS Whidbey Island, WA

Time for another chapter in the history of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4).  As reported in SeaPower magazine on July 17th 2015,  VP-4 will be transitioning to the P-8A and changing duty stations from MCAS Kaneohe Bay to NAS Whidbey Island.

Here is the link to the article on the SeaPaower web site: http://www.seapowermagazine.org/stories/20150717-patrol-squadrons.html and the article itself.

Posted: July 17, 2015 12:07 PM

Navy Shift of Hawaii-Based Patrol Squadrons to Whidbey Island Set for 2016

By RICHARD R. BURGESS, Managing Editor

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy has set in motion its plan to shift its patrol squadrons based in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to Whidbey Island, Wash., as they make the transition to the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.

Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) is scheduled to change duty stations on Oct. 1, 2016, from Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. The squadron will go through transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A at NAS Jacksonville, Fla.

VP-4 will begin the transition as the last of six active-duty VP squadrons based at Jacksonville completes transition to the P-8A. VP-4 will join three VP squadrons at Whidbey Island and will be followed in succession by the other two VP squadrons based at Kaneohe Bay, VP-9 and VP-47.

The Navy’s strategic laydown plan calls for 12 active-duty VP squadrons and two Reserve VP squadrons divided between Jacksonville and Whidbey Island. When completed, it will end more than 80 years of permanent basing of patrol squadrons in Hawaii.

This move is a bit of a coming home for  VP-4 as it was our first duty station after being formed up at Naval Auxiliary Air Station Miramar, CA.  The squadron was first stationed at NAS Whidbey Island in the spring of 1948 and stayed there until our move to Naha, Okinawa in 1956.

 

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Posted in VP-4 History, VP-4 News

Igniting the Spark: VP-4 participates in ‘Discover Your Future in Aviation’

Posted on 09 Jun 2015 | Comments Off on Igniting the Spark: VP-4 participates in ‘Discover Your Future in Aviation’
Navy LT Julie Reichel
Patrol Squadron FOUR

VP-4 Discover your future in Aviation 2015Recently four pilots from Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) represented the United States Navy at the Pacific Aviation Museum’s sixth annual “Discover Your Future in Aviation.”

The purpose of this year’s “Discover Your Future in Aviation” was to expose young people to the thrills and joys of a career in aviation. For many people, the highlights of the event were the guest speakers, including Jessica Cox, the first licensed armless pilot; Rob Kelso, a former NASA flight director; and Lt. Col. Karen Fuller Brannen, the first female Marine F-18 pilot. In addition to the guest speakers the event also showcased a handful of both active and retired aircraft accompanied by their respective pilots and volunteers.

To help play their part in exposing young people to aviation, the pilots of VP-4 spent the afternoon in front of a bright yellow RC-3 “Seabee,” a post-World War II amphibious aircraft, and helped children climb in and out of the cockpit. Additionally, the pilots also took the time to pin “wings of gold” on the children’s chests.  Noting how knowledgeable some of the children were, many of the VP-4 pilots realized that this wasn’t their first exposure to aviation or aircraft.

Corbin Lewis, 11, knew enough about planes to finish one of the pilot’s sentences. When his mother, Nola, was asked where his fascination comes from, she replied “His whole life is flying. We take him to every air show we can find, we come to the museum a lot, and he even walks around the house in a flight suit.” Corbin Lewis is also the youngest person to ever request to volunteer at the Pacific Aviation Museum and dreams of one day becoming a military pilot.

Another visitor, 3-year-old Henry, hardly spoke a word that was not related to his toy planes or his pilot uncle. Looking at the yellow amphibious plane, he became so excited that he, uncharacteristically, was hardly able to speak. Watching Henry, as well as many other children, climb into the plane was like watching a person’s first taste of chocolate. The smile that transformed their faces and the excitement that shown from their eyes conveyed the beginning spark of passion that has captured aviators for more than 100 years.

The VP-4 pilots said they truly enjoyed their time at the “Discover Your Future in Aviation” event and they felt fortunate to play a part in exposing the thrills of aviation to so many young people.

“I really enjoyed introducing children to aviation,” said LTJG Branden Roy, a VP-4 pilot. “It was great to see how enthusiastic the kids felt about learning to fly and becoming pilots someday.”

LTJG Katie Medford-Davis agreed.  “It was great to represent VP-4 (in) the community and to see how many kids are excited about aviation today,” she said.

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Posted in Events, VP-4 News

VP-4 Celebrates 50 Years as Skinny Dragons

Posted on 09 Jun 2015 | Comments Off on VP-4 Celebrates 50 Years as Skinny Dragons

By LT Trent M. Pietsch
VP-4 Public Affairs Officer

In 1965 Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) deployed to Iwakuni, Japan sporting a black Griffin patch but returned home with their current namesake the “Skinny Dragons.” Since that deployment, VP-4 has been carrying this unintentional nickname for 50 years.

A former VP-4 Skipper from 1966-1967, CAPT Charles (Chuck) Walker, USN, Ret. and a fellow officer who he flew with, CAPT Jerry Crumly, USN, Ret. were part of that 1965 deployment. Recently they reached out to their former squadron in regards to the current squadron patch. The history of the squadron patch is detailed both on the VP-4 command website and on placards hung in squadron spaces in Kaneohe Bay, HI. These placards only cover some of the history behind the evolution of VP-4’s squadron patch and the nickname “Skinny Dragons.”

By 1963-64, the decision was made to bring squadrons based overseas back to the United States because the Department of the Navy knew they would all eventually transition from P-5M/P-2V to P-3A’s so seaplanes went to San Diego and land based planes (VP-4) went to Barbers Point, Hawaii. A light blue patch with a skinny black Griffin had recently won a vote by squadron members to replace the previous patch of Poseidon riding a “Truculent Turtle,” as this patch was deemed not appropriate for P-3As. The skinny black Griffin, featured in front of a white four was homage to the patch before the Truculent Turtle patch which featured an orange Griffin. Although as with any vote there was dissention and some squadron members referred to the skinny black figure as an “intestinal virus.”

In March 1965 VP-4 deployed to Iwakuni sporting their black Griffin patch. On arrival, 5 crews were sent to Sangley, Phillipines for briefings to go to Saigon, Vietnam as a detachment, and 7 crews remained in Iwakuni.

CAPT Walker, USN, ret. with O Club waitresses Samiko (left) and Komiko (right).

CAPT Walker, USN, ret. with O Club waitresses Samiko (left) and Komiko (right).

CAPT Walker described how a waitress named Samiko changed the history of VP-4 forever. From the fateful conversation which led to the confusion: “As I remember we had the logo/patch on display but pretty and popular waitress Samiko asked a pilot what the black image on the patch was (it was intended to be a Griffin). Samiko said in reply, ‘Huh, don’t look like Griffin to me, look more like Skinny Dragon.’ The story circulated and before it could be corrected to be a Griffin, every one called it a Dragon. As you know Dragons are very popular in Japan.”

 

All previous VP-4 squadron patches and Capt. Walker’s son’s designed patch on top of the 1967 Cruise Book.

All previous VP-4 squadron patches and Capt. Walker’s son’s designed patch on top of the 1967 Cruise Book.

CAPT Walker’s son, now 64 years old, designed a patch during that deployment which contained all of the previous four squadron patches on a four leaf clover. This patch is extremely rare and contains the first two squadron patches. These patches aren’t maintained in any history of VP-4. Clockwise the patches are a four leaf clover (~1928-~1935), number four with orange Griffin (~1935-1947), Truculent Turtle with Poseidon (1947-1964), and four with black Griffin/Dragon (1964-1993).

 

 

CAPT Walker, USN, ret. with O Club waitresses Samiko (right) and Komiko (left).

CAPT Walker, USN, ret. with O Club waitresses Samiko (right) and Komiko (left).

CAPT Walker served as CO in VP-4 from December 1966-November 1967. He became a Captain 1969 when he reported to Naval War College. He now lives in Jacksonville, Florida and is an active member of the VP-4 Association and Maritime Patrol Association. CAPT Crumly flew as CAPT Walker’s copilot when they were in VP-4 together. CAPT Crumly retired following PG school and tours in VP-56, overseas joint staff, and a command in the Naval Air Training Command.

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Posted in VP-4 History

Gallery

Squadron Awards

Posted on 07 Jun 2015

This gallery contains 2 photos.

A discussion on Facebook made me think:   What awards has VP-4 gotten throughout the years, and if VP-4 was a person, what would the Medals or Ribbons look like. Well, after search through the information US NAVY AWARDS (the Chief … Continue reading →

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GRIFFIN, Paul A. USN (Ret) VP-4 1979 -1981

Posted on 07 Jun 2015 | Comments Off on GRIFFIN, Paul A. USN (Ret) VP-4 1979 -1981

Passing of Former VP-4 CO CAPT Paul A. GRIFFIN USN (Ret) VP-4 1979 -1981

This sad news was passed to me by Fred Lohden, VP-4 1978 – 1981.
Griffin, Paul ACAPT Griffin reported to VP-4 in June 1979 to serve as Executive Officer.  He assumed command in June 1980 and was relieved by CDR Hilary J. Nickel in June 1981.
Paul A. Griffin was born in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1941 to Irene Griffin and Paul Fryer. He died in Brunswick, Georgia on May 31, 2015.
Paul was known for his intellect, calm demeanor and laconic sense of humor. As his volunteer work illustrates, his compassion was linked to a no-nonsense approach to life: when he saw a problem, he found a way to fix it.
Paul was a graduate of Centre College, Danville Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. After college, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he earned a Masters of Science in Oceanography at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California. Later he earned a post-graduate degree from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He earned an additional Masters Degree from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at National University, Washington, D.C. When he was a squadron commander, his squadrons were consistently ranked the best in the Navy. He retired from the Navy as a Captain after 27 years of distinguished service. He earned a Navy Achievement Medal, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Legion of Merit award and was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
After retiring from the Navy, Paul had a second career at Lockheed Martin in Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as project manager for the avionics suite of the F-22 aircraft. In that capacity, he managed a budget of hundreds of millions of dollars.
While Paul was practical, he also was a romantic. His wife, Linda Lamb, was his heart and soul, and he looked for ways to let her know she was the center of his universe. For their 9th anniversary, Paul surprised Linda with a dawn concert in the back yard, featuring Michael Hulett. They married in 2002, and moved to McIntosh County in 2003, where Paul initiated his third career as a volunteer in the community.
Paul served as chairman of the McIntosh County, Georgia Board of Tax Assessors from December, 2005 to December 2012. Under his leadership, the board became the best-run and most professional office in the county. Paul also was a founding board member of Coastal WildScapes, a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving and restoring the biodiversity of Southeastern coastal ecosystems. He served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer and was named CASA Volunteer of the Year in 2012. Paul was a member of the McIntosh County YMCA board, and a founding Board Member of McCARES a nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy for McIntosh County’s children and their families.
Paul’s third – and most precious – career was as a grandfather. Paul’s 10 beloved grandchildren – Michael, Stephanie, Roan, Renee, Rosalie, Patrick, Lena, Jackson, Sam and Griffin – who called him Ahpa, were his overwhelming passion. Every summer, Paul and Linda transformed their home into the headquarters of what they called Camp Tolomato, filling the days with education disguised as summer hijinks and adventures. As one of the two camp counselors, Paul’s goal was to spend time with his grandchildren and let them have fun together, broaden their horizons and open them to the beauties and mystery of nature. Paul was an avid outdoorsman who loved boating, hiking, catch-and-release fly fishing and travel.
Paul was predeceased by his mother Irene Griffin, his father Paul Fryer, and his adoptive father, George Griffin. Paul is survived by his wife, Linda Lamb of Darien, Georgia; children Matt Griffin (Jennifer), Michele Turner Chris Lamb (Palmer), Melissa Kiser (Scott); sister, Penny Wells, and brother Carl Griffin (Christine Johnson).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Avenue, Brunswick, GA 31520. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, June 5, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal WildScapes, Inc., P.O. Box 1106, Darien, GA 31305, Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692, Glynco Pkwy, Brunswick, GA 31525 or the donor’s charity of choice.

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Posted in Fallen Shipmates

Patrol Squadron FOUR Change of Command 2015

Posted on 04 Jun 2015 | Comments Off on Patrol Squadron FOUR Change of Command 2015

LT Trent Pietsch
VP-4 Public Affairs Officer

002 VP-4 CoC 6-4-15Commander Jonathan E. Spore relieved Commander Eric M. Hanks as Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) on June 4, 2015. The ceremony was held at Hangar 104 on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.

Commander Hanks, originally from Jennings, Louisiana, detached U.S. Africa Command in June 2013 to report for duty as Executive Officer with the “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron FOUR. On June 18, 2014, Commander Hanks became their 65th Commanding Officer.

The Change of Command ceremony culminated a highly successful tour for Hanks. Hanks led the Skinny Dragons through an arduous and challenging multi-site, seven-month deployment covering much of the EUCOM and AFRICOM AORs. Under his command, Patrol Squadron FOUR continued its tradition of excellence surpassing 265,000 hours of mishap-free flying, spanning 42 years of operations. Patrol Squadron FOUR and Hanks were recognized for their mission accomplishment at the national level. Commander Hanks will continue his career in Washington D.C. at the National War College. He and his family are excited at the prospect of continuing their journey together as a part of the Navy. Commander Hanks had this to say about serving as Skipper of VP-4, “This tour has been outstanding in many ways. The Sailors of VP-4 haven’t missed a beat from the time I stepped in to be their Commanding Officer before deployment. We’ve accomplished above and beyond what was required and all credit should go to their workmanship and professionalism.”
Commander Spore reported to VP-4 in June 2014 as the Executive Officer. A native of Chantilly, Virginia, he graduated the United States Naval Academy in 1997. His previous flying tours include assignments in VP-5 as a Junior Officer, VP-30 and a Department Head in VP-16. Commander Spore’s other assignments include a tour on the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic, and most recently in the Pentagon, serving on the Navy Staff and on the Joint Staff.

Commander Spore lives in Kailua with his wife Jennifer and their three children, Mitchell, Landon, and Marian. When asked about becoming the newest Skinny Dragon Skipper, Commander Spore commented, “With the last home cycle in Hawaii and final P-3C deployment for the Skinny Dragons before moving to Whidbey Island and transitioning to the P-8A, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this great squadron through the challenges ahead. VP-4 has always been a leader in the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community and I look forward to continuing that tradition.”

Relieving Commander Spore as Executive Officer is Commander Christopher E. Smith. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998. His most recent assignment was in support of the Director of Intelligence at Cruise Missile Support Activity, Pacific. Commander Smith is married to Sarah and they have four children, Wyatt, Owen, Evan, and Elizabeth.

001 VP-4 CoC 6-4-15

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Posted in Events, VP-4 History, VP-4 News

Hardware Replacement Options Paper

Posted on 31 May 2015 | Comments Off on Hardware Replacement Options Paper

The IT department is implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) solution to its corporate offices. The current hardware is outdated, and cannot support the new CRM application. The hardware must be replaced prior to deployment.  This paper will discuss the issues related to this project.

  • How do the five major variables of project management—scope, time, cost, quality, and risk—relate to this scenario?
    • Scope: All work related to the hardware replacement must be correctly defined prior to purchasing any equipment. With a proper Scope of Work (SOW), each step of the project is clearly defined, and cost overruns can be limited. A SOW. Details out the project scope, that is what items are going to be installed and why, project assumptions, responsibilities for the different people, groups, or departments, criteria for the project completion, and documentation for project Change Control Management (CCM).
    • Time: Businesses must ensure that the procurement timeline is well-defined, and adhered to. If the timeline is rushed, some items may not be configured correctly or fully tested. If time deadlines are not met, the project budget could be wasted needlessly.
    • Cost: Cost analysis must include information beyond just the price of hardware and operating systems. Additional costs may include, but are not limited to: Server rack storage space, additional costs for data center cooling and increased power consumption. Using Microsoft CRM as an example the minimum hardware specifications include five different server platforms. Depending on the size of the company involved the capital expenditures can easily outweigh the benefits of new hardware. Consideration must also be given to secondary software applications like backup solutions and virus protection.
    • Quality: Hardware replacement project needs to identify if the business will benefit from an on premise solution, or if going with a hosted or cloud solution would provide a better quality CRM environment. The project will need to identify if the hardware being purchased meets or exceeds the minimum specifications for the CRM software, and will continue to be a viable platform for an extended period of time (3 to 5 years).
    • Risk: The project plan needs to identify if bringing new hardware systems into the existing environment could adversely affect the existing network infrastructure. For example: if the businesses current network environment is a Windows 2000 active directory domain, how will bringing in new servers (Windows 2008 R2) affect or even work with the existing active directory infrastructure.
  • What considerations must be applied when selecting projects that deliver the best business value?
    • There are many project costs and benefits considerations that must be applied to ensure that business value is enhanced, and not degraded by hardware upgrade project. Are the internal rate of return (IRR), and the return on investment (ROI) values high enough across the short-term and long-term to outweigh the capital investment for new equipment. Costs include: Implementation costs such as networking equipment, operating system licensing, and server chassis costs. Operational costs such as operating staff load with new servers to manage, hardware maintenance contracts, facility cost increases, and administrator and in the user training for the new CRM application. Tangible benefits include: increased productivity due to faster servers and improvements in CRM applications, and reduce costs in maintaining outdated server equipment. Intangible benefits include: Increased organizational flexibility, and improved operations due to the new features included in a modern CRM system.
  • What factors that influence project risk? What strategies would you recommend for minimizing this project’s risks?
    • Project risk is influenced by the structure of the project, the project size, and the technical expertise of the project team and IS staff (Laudon & Laudon, 2009). The larger the project, the higher the risks associated with that project. In turn, a very complex project is also a higher rate of risk than a simple project. For example, the project plan for changing brakes on a car has a much lower risk rate than the project plan for building a kit car. The skill level or technical expertise of the IT staff and project team also affect the risks in a given IT project like a CRM hardware replacement plan.

To help alleviate some of the risks associated with this project. I would recommend assigning a project manager to oversee the entire hardware purchase process. The use of a Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart will help ensure that the entire plan remains on task and on time. A PERT chart not only lists out the start and completion dates for assigned activities, but it also lists out the various task dependencies and how each task can be affected by the success or failure of one of the dependencies. The use of an application like Microsoft project includes tools to help automate the creation of a Gantt or PERT chart. Status updates can easily be generated from Microsoft project to help keep all of the teams involved in the hardware replacement plan informed of where the project is at any given time. Early on in the process it should be determined if having the CRM system hosted on premise makes good business sense in comparison to having the CRM hosted in the cloud.

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Posted in General, Uncategorized

Just a test post

Posted on 31 May 2015 | Comments Off on Just a test post

I hope you all enjoy this test post.  Not all post get to be real posts, and sometimes you have to fill space with useless information to make a test post.  I will now fill this post with bits of text that don’t seem to go together.

 

Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom Vet tee just released and we have free shipping available until Tuesday (2 JUN 15).

This paper will cover some of the issues surrounding the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 Field Data Collection Automation (FDCA) project, and steps that can be taken to control the risks associated with developing new technology on a national scale. According to the Government Accounting Office (GAO) the cost of collecting the United States Census data has increased by 56% from $8.1 billion in the year 2000 to about $13 billion for the 2010 census (“Decennial Census: Additional Actions Could Improve the Census Bureau’s Ability to Control Costs for the 2020 Census,” 2012) . To help save costs the US Census Bureau contracted with Harris Corporation “to implement handheld devices that make census participation as simple as signing for a package” (Laudon & Laudon, 2009). Numerous issues plagued FDCA, including, but not limited to: inadequate testing procedures, poor communication, lack of executive oversight, and the inexperience of the contractor assigned to implement the mobile technology required. In 2006 when the Harris Corporation was contracted by the US Census Bureau to implement a mobile computing solution, the handheld market was still in its infancy. US Census Bureau did not adequately inform the Harris Corporation of the requirements for the mobile platform, according to this week’s readings, there were 600 initial requirements and the Census Bureau added 814 more. Most if not all of the requirements for the mobile computing platform should have been laid out at the beginning of the program. In this way, the contractor would have adequate information to procure the necessary technology.

To implement a successful mobile platform for the Census Bureau to use the FDCA project should have been assigned an oversight person or committee. By having an executive level oversight issues with the project could have been answered in a timelier manner, thereby alleviating cost overruns. Another spot that could have been improved to help alleviate issues before they arise would have been a detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) from the US Census Bureau two available and reliable US government contractors.

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Posted in Mussings, Uncategorized

CAPT Allen Horace Balch USN (Ret) VP-4 1953 – 1954

Posted on 31 May 2015 | Comments Off on CAPT Allen Horace Balch USN (Ret) VP-4 1953 – 1954

ALLEN HORACE BALCH

CAPT Allen Horace Balch USN (Ret) VP-4 1953 - 1954 2Capt. Allen H Balch, U.S. Navy (Ret), passed away May 5, 2015 in Green Valley, AZ. Al was born in Abilene, Texas on March 10, 1927, the son of Amos Henry and Barbara Allen Stone Balch. The family later moved to Tyler, Texas where he and his sister, Ruby Virginia “Sunshine” Smith, grew up.

Known for his wonderful speaking voice, Al gained his first radio experience at age 16 in Tyler, where before school he opened KGKB, a 250-watt radio station, broadcast the morning and evening drive and music, and closed the station. On weekends he was announcer for his high school sporting events and football games.

CAPT Allen Horace Balch USN (Ret) VP-4 1953 - 1954 1Al was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945 and graduated with distinction in June 1949. He married his first wife, Jean Roach, in June 1949, before reporting to NAS Pensacola for flight training. He completed training in multi-engine aircraft, earning his wings at NAS Corpus Christi, TX and was ordered to VP-4 and flew P-2V NEPTUNE aircraft during the Korean War. Al served during three deployments, rising from navigator to PPC, earning the China Service medal. During the Vietnam conflict, Al served as commander of a P3-A ORION squadron, earning the Vietnam Campaign Medal and an Air Medal. Duty afloat included service aboard the aircraft carrier USS INTREPID. Other awards included World War II Victory Medal, the Naval Unit Commendation, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Ribbon – Cuba.

Duty ashore included General Line School in Monterey, CA, Army War College in Carlisle, PA, and 5 years in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, where he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal and a Legion of Merit. Al retired from the Navy in 1973.

Working for KRLD in Dallas, he interviewed Sen. John Tower (R) from Texas, who invited him to return to Washington, D.C., as his communications and press secretary. Allen accepted the position, and while there married his second wife, Lindsay.

Following his political days, Allen avoided the beltway rush by living aboard a 55-foot houseboat in the Washington Marina, just below the Jefferson Memorial, and he became a full-time anchor on WTOP, a CBS affiliate station in the Washington area, for 6 years. During this time O’Connor Productions was producing the syndicated pre-presidential Reagan spots, and approached Allen about creating and syndicating a series of interviews to be entitled “The Senators,” as he was becoming a “voice on the hill,” respected for his professional handling of important issues of the day.

In 1992 he and Lindsay discovered Green Valley, AZ, and built their dream home. He became active in the Green Valley Coordinating Council, tried to incorporate Green Valley several times, and then joined the Ross Perot bid for the Presidency, which took him back to Dallas for a time.

His third career began in 2005 when his health began to fail, and he and Lindsay joined a great new life at La Posada. He not only emceed “The Allen Balch Show” for 6 years, but he also joined the La Posada Singers, became their manager, and discovered his beautiful solo bass voice. You can find him on Facebook, if you are so inclined.

He is survived by his five children from his first marriage: Paulanne Balch, MD of Boulder, CO, Deborah LaCivita of Greenwich, CT, Patricia Tracy of Manassas, VA, Allen (Skip) Balch of Austin, TX, and Karen Sue Pittman, of Ruston, LA, and Lindsay’s two sons George R. Miller of Los Gatos, CA and Col. Randolph P. Miller USAF (Ret) of Washington, D.C., plus 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, and his sister, Ruby Virginia Smith, of Dalhart, TX.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Green Valley Mortuary. A Memorial Celebration of his Life will be held at La Posada on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. A burial service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors.

Published in Green Valley News & Sun on May 31, 2015
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