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City, State: Johnston, RI 02919-3445 Homepage URL: London 47/50, 52/56, Port Lyauty 59 Comments: Wishing all VR-24 a great July 4th. I'm late getting on to this site but thanks to Dick Prather who sent me a letter about Pete Owen's final days that the site was available. I sent Dick some info of the "Plamk Owners" and other stuff I had in my scrap book. I'm sure when he gets time it will be forth coming. After P/L in'59, they finally got me to sea in the VS Navy at Quonset Point RI. Retired there in '71. I do miss the reunions we have had over the years and all the work Pete and Ruth put into them along with many other that made them a success. Joe
City, State: Tucson, Az Comments:
City, State: Orange Park Fl. Comments: I was in VR-24 in 1983-1984, my first assignment was running the gedunk , I believe it was called “RUDYS”. From there went into the Airframes shop working with Crook & Haney,Dan Butler,Guamy and lot’s of others. Was lucky enough to go on a Northern Det to England and Norway with Tom Tellone (?). Also went on a Rota Det with Ron Crook, which was an experience I will never forget. Left Sig for a tour with VRC-40 (C-1's) and from there on to AIMD in Cubi Point. Presently work as an F-18 Aircraft Examiner at FRCSE ( NADEP) in Jacksonville Fl.
City, State: Nashville, Indiana Comments: I want to thank Dick Prather for the personal letter notifying me of the passing of Pete Owen. Although I've attended numerous reunions for the many squadrons in which I served, the VR-24 reunions were always the shining example of what a reunion should be.....and that was due to the dedication and diligence of both Pete and Ruth Owen. Over the years they had a number of loyal members of the reunion committees....but the guiding light always seemed to be Pete and his love of VR-24. Pete and Ruth will be missed....and it is comforting to know they're beyond pain and together again. This is a fine web site and I'll visit it often. There have been a number of names to stir the memories....and I look forward to seeing and sending pictures for the collection. To those with whom I served, Salute! To those shipmates I have yet to meet, I look forward to sharing sea stories and Happy Times with one and all. Buz
City, State: Ramona, CA Comments: It is with profound sadness that I report the passing of Pete Owen during the early morning hours of 15 June 2009. Pete followed in death, Ruth Owen, his wife and beloved partner of sixty-one years, who died on 9 September 2008. Pete was assigned to VR-24 for a total of nine years, probably longer than any other member. His tours with the squadron encompassed the majority of a remarkable eleven years he and Ruth spent in Morocco.
His expertise in Morse code made Pete one of the most respected radio operators in the squadron. He once noted the fact that he had flown as crew in all of the R5D aircraft ever assigned to VR-24, as well as most of the hundred or so operated by the U.S. Navy.
Supported by Ruth Owen, and with assistance from others, Pete established the VR-24 Association in 1973. For the next thirty-four years, he and Ruth organized annual reunions and golf tournaments enjoyed by hundreds of former members and friends of VR-24. The Owens’ achievement is remarkable, and preserved for many the highlight of their lives and Naval Service.
The friendships made during his long service with VR-24 sustained Pete throughout the rest of his life. He lived for the Association reunions and the opportunities they provided to meet with former shipmates. His legacy of support for the VR-24 Association will be remembered by all who attended the annual reunions.
I value my long friendship with Pete and will miss him.
Dick Prather
City, State: Tucson, Az Comments: Haven't signed in for a while now but have seen some names I remember. I was in Sig from July 76 through Aug 79. T-39 aircrew and at the time an ADR2 and worked in the T-39 shack. If any of you guys out there remember me drop me a line at salty1dog@comcast.net.
City, State: Omaha, NE 68154 Comments: Hello to all old shipmates. I was with the Squadron in both Port Lyautey and Naples between 08/54 and 04/57. Went to FASRON SPECIAL 200 in Blackbushe, England from 04/57 until 04/60. I worked at at NALCOELMREP at the Det., and remember Buzz Dryfoose; Pappy Lynn; Ralph Flannigan and others. Went back to Lyautey from 10/55 until 11/56. de-advanced from YN3 to airman, and worked for Chief Ring in flt. crew scheduling when not flying as an orderly. remember Bill Witzke; Pete Owen; Frank Murphy; Jim Tracy; Jerry Johnson; KC Marks and to many others to list here. I retired 09/73 as a PNC. Made one reunion in mid-1980s in Pensacola. I recall when Bill Witzke and I both left the Navy for a brief 80 or so days; returned to Nebraska, and then reenlisted, drove to New Orleans, lost our money at the track and he went back to Port Lyautey, I went bnack to Naples. Lots of fond memories of these days. Hope to hear from some of you.
City, State: Locust grove, Virginia Comments: Check this site regularly, was a member between late 57 and July 59, many a good memory, flew as a orderlie/loadmaster, never forget the flat in Naples and the 242 club in London. Know there are not many of the old timers around but still enjoy reading the comments from past times. This is my second comment over the years and I have yet to hear from someone I remember, I guess memory and age are a two-some, at any rate I hope this site stays up and running and its my time join some of the old shipmates, maybe then I will remember someone. take care all
City, State: San Jose,ca Comments: Sorry Patty I know it was you we stayed with, Kathy???don't ask me where that came from Willy "Bill"
City, State: San Jose, Ca Comments: Hi all "69- '73 24 (bulk of stay) & NAF (EBU) Naples at one time or an other..would love to hear from some folks (who's thoughts wander now and then back to, at least for me, a very special time in my life...though at the time I lived to get back to "the world")..kept / keep in touch with some (Lynn Hyatt, Ken Skelly, Dan Luchi, Dennis"where the hell are ya" Williams, Bob"came and went" Lakey') would love to here from others= Mike Juda, Doggy Dawson, Greenmeyer, Spanky, Larry Sellers, "Fires" Meyers, Fernando (sorry "Fred" don't remember your last name), George Cope (I've tried to find ya dude), Tom Dickerson ( for gods sake man, learn to use a computer),Kathy (stayed with you our last couple of weeks), Tweety (I know you tried once but I lost your Email..my last computer took a dump right after..give'r another shot dude) and to the ones I missed, can't recall names but still were my "Bros in Arms" back in the day..give a holler , we're all getting to the age we could start disappearing (if some, unfortunately and I'm hoping not, haven't already) For what it's Worth Bill (now going by "Willy" ) & Gina |
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