Fighter Squadron 154 F-8 Crusader Era Guestbook

Welcome to the VF-154 F-8 Era Guestbook! Your shipmates and squadronmates of days gone by would like to hear from you.

THOMAS ZMIJEWSKI - 10/24/00 23:35:29
My Email:tzmijewski@snet.net

Comments:
WHILE I WAS NOT IN THE SQUADRIN, I WAS ABOARD THE USS CORAL SEA, FROM JAN., 1963 TO OCT.,1966 AND WAS IN THE COMMISSARY DEPT. SERVING IN THE SHIPS VARIOUS BAKE SHOPS. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING FROM OTHERS SERVING IN TH SAME ERA.

Fred Day - 10/22/00 00:38:21
My Email:fredlday@hotmail.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): Sept 1962-Sept 1964
Rank/rate at that time: ADJAN
Final or current rank/rate: ADJ2
Snail mail address (optional): PO Box 96 East Baldwin, Maine 04024
Telephone number (optional): 207-787-3260

Comments:
To find VF-154 again is like opening the favorite book you've ever read and thought it gone! WBJS is still true and I'm proud of all those I served with. May you always remember you're a Black Knight! FL

- 09/28/00 01:32:36

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- 09/25/00 08:37:58

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Ray Morton - 09/20/00 05:00:56
My Email:rmorton@cts.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1960--1962
Rank/rate at that time: AQC
Final or current rank/rate: AQC
Snail mail address (optional): 9872 Rimpark Way San Diego, CA 92124
Telephone number (optional): (858)278-6850

Comments:
I was in VF154 from Oct 1960 until May 1962. I flew off the Coral Sea on the COD to go to Japan for the purpose of retiring from the Navy. I had a great Navy career and VF154 is at the top of all my good memories.

Glen A. Harris - 09/17/00 16:36:49
My Email:ghyuma@yahoo.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1958 - 1961
Rank/rate at that time: AT2
Final or current rank/rate: AT2
Snail mail address (optional): 1190 E Palo Verde St. - Yuma, Az. 85365
Telephone number (optional): (520) 344-2617

Comments:
Hi old Squadron mates, Came into Squadron in mid 58 at Moffett Field and made the 59-60 cruise on the Hancock and the 60-61 cruise on the Coral Sea. Off loaded both times to Atsugi, Japan.I'll never forget the Big Ships party in Hawaii, the week at Camp B gio in Phillipines and the Typhoon on the Coral Sea. Wow - Any one remember the F8U crash into the Bay at Moffett Field. Remember the plane that tried to land and couldn't get it's nose up? Whitehead, Chuck Walker - are you still here? Would appreciate a ote from any one from my era. GH

Jim Haffner - 09/16/00 23:40:02
My Email:JMandJD@juno.com

Comments:
I was looking for F-8 pictures and info and stumbled onto your website. VERY GOOD! I was in VF-211 and am glad you had some pictures of our birds and pilots. I was in VF-211 from '67 to '70. Was a plane captain my first tour to Nam and the 2nd tour I was AD to the flight deck LOX shop. Gave those boys some air to breath. We were on the U.S.S. Hancock CVA-19. If any 211 guys find this sight please contact me. Have found a few guys from then. One was in our sister sqd, VF-24. Anyway thanks for the pictures. My grand daughter is into planes and she may like to see what it was like then. Jim

Bob Taranto - 09/13/00 23:29:41
My Email:bob16@juno.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1954-1955
Rank/rate at that time: AT3
Final or current rank/rate: AT3
Snail mail address (optional): 1 royal ct Franklin MA. 02038

Comments:
Hi A former member of the F9F-5 panther jet era,under cdr Shryock. Our insignia was a black flameing panther. I am trying to locate an old friend Vincent Candella AE3. If anyone can help it would be great. Would like to here from anyone who served in the squrdron on the U.S.S.Yorktown during the Tachen evacu tion.

John Woodrow - 08/18/00 19:19:38
My URL:http://www.pearlbuckcenter.com
My Email:jwoodrow@cyber-dyne.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1971 - 1973
Rank/rate at that time: ATN3
Final or current rank/rate: ATN3
Snail mail address (optional): 4232 W. 5th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402
Telephone number (optional): (541) 484-4667

Comments:
It was my honor to serve with VF-154 during the F4J period attached to CVA61 USS Ranger. If anyone out there was there at that time please drop a line a say hello. Most of my time was TAD to ship's compnay IMA, so I don't know a lot of the guys who were with us in the Gulf Club.

Allan Matthews - 05/13/00 04:03:14
My Email:TopHats007@email.msn.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1961 to April 5, 1965
Rank/rate at that time: ADJ-3
Snail mail address (optional): 7748 Indian Woods Pl. Topeka, Kansas 66615
Telephone number (optional): 1-785-478-4127

Comments:
If each of us reach out just a little, locate and bring an old friend to this web site it will be a blessing to all of us. Old friends, family, current lovers and God All Mighty are all that really matter in this life.

Errol Reilly - 05/11/00 20:14:00
My Email:ereilly@cwws.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1963-1966
Rank/rate at that time: LTJG
Final or current rank/rate: CDR
Snail mail address (optional): 6734 Leesburg Place
Telephone number (optional): Stockton, CA 95207

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Doug Maresh - 05/10/00 18:46:17
My Email:mdd206@aol.com
Telephone number (optional): 952-423-3626

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Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven reunion committee is looking for LtJG Beckwith and LTJG Youst who were rescued on 10 Jan 68 (RVN) by HC7 aircrew. Reunion committee would like to invite them to our reunion June 27-30th in Las Vegas,NV at the Gold oast Casino/hotel.

Bob Kuphal - 05/07/00 18:51:14
My Email:bobk@lucent.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1963-1965
Rank/rate at that time: ATR3
Final or current rank/rate: ATR3

Comments:
Howdey. Glad to have found this site. Allen Matthews put me on to it, was sure glad to hear from Allen, and now see that Don Beck left a note here also. Joined VF154 in 1963 when the ship was docked in Japan, and stayed until 1966. Got extended 4 mont s due to the Vietnam, was supposed to get out in 1965. Currently living in Illinois, and hope to retire from my current job in about 22 months and move to my home state of Wisconsin. Sure enjoyed the pictures brought back some good memories.

Veryl Champine - 04/24/00 01:27:07
My Email:champine@frontiernet.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1963-1966
Rank/rate at that time: AQF2
Snail mail address (optional): 2285 190th Street, Granada, MN. 56039
Telephone number (optional): 507-776-5396

Comments:
Have enjoyed this page since Randy first contacted me. I finally found some old slides of air ops and will scan them for the board soon. Does anyone know where Frank Wells AQF3, originally from Holly CO is now? A few more of the guys from the fire cont ol shop were Charles K Diebold AQF3 from Upstate New York, Edgar Alan Morris, "Gene" Krupa, Bob Fulkerson and Robert S. Gruen AQF2 from New Jersey. A couple of other guys from the electrical shop that I would like to find again are Curtis M. Graham from ississippi and Walter L. Fisher from Louisana. Still think the Crusader was one of the prettiest birds that flew. Champ

Don Beck - 04/18/00 06:17:33
My Email:CruisinLasVegas@aol.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1963-1965
Rank/rate at that time: AQF3
Final or current rank/rate: AQF3

Comments:
After discharge, pursued music as a profession. Currently live in Las Vegas where I retired 3 years ago. I noticed a picture of Alan Mathews; He was one of my buddies and would be intersted in locating him if anyone has an E mail address.

Bill Crockett - 03/21/00 05:43:43
My Email:bcroc@earthlink.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1966-1968
Rank/rate at that time: AQ-2
Final or current rank/rate: AQ-2

Comments:
I joined VF-154 when we converted to F-4b's. Tom Ingalls and I were room mates in 1967/68. Lt Royal Cherry was in the squadron then too. Nice to see familiar names. I was an AQ-2. Man that was along time ago. I wrote Tom an Email. Thanks for providing thi WEB page ( consider adding the F-4 era). Thanks again. Bill Crockett

Rodney (Speedy) Gonzalez - 03/07/00 01:54:07
My Email:rgonza5648@aol.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1961-'62
Rank/rate at that time: AE2
Final or current rank/rate: AE2
Snail mail address (optional): 4925 Fannett Rd Beaumont. TX 77705
Telephone number (optional): 409 842-8040

Comments:
I think Randy and Tom have done a real service to all of us who served on board the Coral Sea, VF-154 and or any squadron that flew the F-8 Crusader. I also believe that it is our responsiblity for everyone to try and locate at least one more guy that th s site would be of value. Just think of all the pictures and stories that could be posted. My wife says I'm living in the past, however, I believe that we are looking at history of a very complicated time of our lives

LD Tullis - 02/27/00 17:57:00
My Email:pas@micron.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 57-59
Rank/rate at that time: AOU3
Final or current rank/rate: AOU#
Telephone number (optional): 208-466-7570

Comments:
Let's hear more about the lost elevator, 1st. I've heard of it, left one sea story on "Jakes Yankee station", Jake say's he had heard of that happening before but it was unique to me, "Raunchy" Cameron was going to get you in trouble if you pulled liberty with him. You out there Lapinski??, Carl Little??, Chief Younce??, "Cat" Jones??, Frank Wysup??, Darrell Whitehead??. LD

Larry W. Lister - 01/25/00 04:48:11
My Email:lister@whidbey.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 60 - 62
Rank/rate at that time: ADJAN, ADJ3
Final or current rank/rate: ADC(AC) Ret
Snail mail address (optional): PO Box 250 Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Comments:
After ADJ "A" school, Dec 59, and VF-124 RAG at NAS Moffett Field, I joined VF-154 Apr 60, as ADJAN. Line Crew, Plane Captain on F8U-1E NL 405, BuNo 145457. Pilot was LT Jim Clare. Line PO was Harold Sanford, ADJ1. Was aboard when Sandy Button had his col cat shot off the port bow and got out of the aircraft after the ship passed over him, and was recovered, and when LCDR Dick Doan punched out shortly after a cat shot. Also aboard during the 2nd cruise when #3 elevator departed the ship, about Feb/Mar 62 few days out of Cubi. I was watching the "blue shirts" trying to get an F8 Photo Plane on the elevator when the towbar came off. When everyone ran to throw chocks under the plane, the elevator went deep six. Really surprised some folks!!! I left the sq adron Apr 62 in Yokosuka, and transfered to NAF China Lake for shore duty. Some of the Plane Captain 60-61 that I remember right now, were Monty C Craig, Bobby Baucum, Richard Smith, and a fiesty line trouble-shooter named Wiley C Walker. Larry Lister, ADC(AC) Ret 01 Nov 78

Russ Bortnem - 01/20/00 03:07:02
My Email:RussBortnem@compuserve.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1961-1964
Rank/rate at that time: Lt
Final or current rank/rate: Lt
Snail mail address (optional): 517 S. Rivershire Dr. Conroe, TX 77304

Comments:
Enjoyed the web site. Loved the F8 and the Squadron. The '63 Aussy cruise CO was Glindeman. Add to your memoral Roy Lester and Sandy Button.

Steve Davis - 01/18/00 05:12:16
My Email:Hogbody46@aol.com

Comments:
I just ran across your site and really enjoyed the pics., they brought back memories when I was in VF-194 on the Bon Homme Richard in 65-66. I was at Miramar NAS with VF-194 in 1965-66 and we had the F-8-E model. Just looking for squadronmates from that p riod. Smooth sailing to you all.

don martin - 12/29/99 14:58:12
My Email:kevnes@hotmail.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 76-80
Rank/rate at that time: AQ2
Final or current rank/rate: same
Snail mail address (optional): 4959 kingshill dr 101 cols. oh 43229
Telephone number (optional): 614-436-8139

Comments:
love the web site, is there one for the phantom era? it was good to read about what vf-154 history is about and made the black knights a great squadron by the time i was lucky enough to serve with them. where can i get some vf-154 stuff? t-shirts,patchs,etc. ? best wishes to all black knights past and present your shipmate don marti

Royal W. Cherry, Jr. - 12/18/99 17:25:25
My Email:Skyray@aol.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1965-1967
Rank/rate at that time: Lt.
Final or current rank/rate: Lcdr.

Comments:
I was one of the replacement pilots in May of 1965.

Gary Pyles - 12/10/99 21:09:27
My Email:gepyles@hotmail.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 60-63
Rank/rate at that time: LTjg
Final or current rank/rate: LCDR (Retired)
Snail mail address (optional): 5819 Desert View Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037
Telephone number (optional): (858)454-0545

Comments:
I was on the 60 - 61 cruise that was shore-based at NAS Atsugi, Japan. I was a non-pilot maintenance officer. I'd like to hear from anyone from the squadron during that cruise. Those were really good times and I have many great memories of the people nd places we visited.

Rodney A. Gonzalez - 12/03/99 21:48:33
My Email:rgonza5648@aol.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1961-1962
Rank/rate at that time: AE2
Final or current rank/rate: AE2
Snail mail address (optional): 4925 Fannett Rd. Beaumont, TX 77705
Telephone number (optional): 409 842-8040

Comments:
Served with VF-154 aboard the USS Coral "Maru" during the West Pac cruise. with Dave Mahan, Roger Tholburn, Isle Eddinger and a whole buch of other guys. I was standing in the never ending chow line when we lost #3 elevator. I beleive the Skipper was RS Hill.

Tom Ingalls - 11/27/99 22:59:33
My Email:thingalls@mindspring.com
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1964-1967
Final or current rank/rate: AQF3

Comments:
Hope to make contact with some of the old crew from VF-154. Don Bratton, Mike Ivey, Jim Blevins, Wayne Sargent, Bob Fulkerson, Ike Dodd, John Rondeau, Bill Crockett, where are you? If I can figure out this computer stuff, I'm sure you can!

Randy Kelso - 11/26/99 23:19:20
My URL:http://www.htcomp.net/kelso
My Email:kelso@htcomp.net
Years in VF-154 (19__-19__): 1964-1966
Rank/rate at that time: AQF2
Final or current rank/rate: AQF2
Snail mail address (optional): 2100 E. FM916, Cleburne, TX 76031
Telephone number (optional): 817-373-2044

Comments:
Let's use this site to locate old squadronmates and others with a connection to Fighter Squadron 154 of the F-8 Crusader days (1957-1966)!