I served in VR-24 from '65 though '68 in the AE shop. I ran the shop on the midnight shift. I loved the experience while I was in VR-24. I loved my job and the people I came in contact with. I lived off base and I had an Austin Healey that I bought in Gibraltar before Franco closed the Border, one of the last cars that came out, I believe.

  I was an AE at VR-24 from May75 -Jul78. I made the move from Naples to Sigonella.When I found this site I could'nt believe that I recognized some many names. It's nice to see there is somewhere you can go and bring back old memories.

I was in VR-24 in Rota,Spain from 04Dec63 until 02Aug65. I came to VR24 right out of ADJ school at Millington,Tenn.As an ADJAN,I was first sent coop cleaning for 90 days, followed by TAD to Engine Build-up, then back to the squadron in maint. I think the Maint Officer at that time was a LT O Hearne. Some of the names I remember from that era are: Richard Digiamberdini,James Ruggiero,George Betras,Arvil Dale Hartley,John Mathis,Alan BO Searson,Johnny McPherson,Jerry Snyder,a 2nd class named Shackelford,Arti Ward,? Mix, ? Lander or Landers, Lighting, Ohmes,JD Long, Frank Costello, ? Isacs, John Starling, and Joe Maconi.

It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Ruth Own on the morning of September 9, 2008. Ruth and Pete met and married in 1947 and were blessed with a loving sixty-one year partnership. Their remarkable life together included eleven years in Port Lyautey, Morocco, nine of which Pete was assigned to VR-24.

Besides maintaining a gracious home off-base in Kenitra where they entertained friends and guests, Ruth pursued her own career as a Civil Servant in the base Supply Department, making a number of life-long friends in her years there. She was an avid golfer and softball player, and competed in both sports while at Port Lyautey. Ruth continued both her career and sports after Pete retired from the Navy in 1962 and they returned to California.

Ruth gave unstinting support to Pete in establishing the VR-24 Association in 1972, and ensured that its administrative affairs ran smoothly for the next thirty-odd years. She was an enthusiastic participant in the VR-24 annual reunions, and personally coordinated and participated in the Association's annual golf tournaments until ill health sidelined her in recent times.

Ruth Owen was a truly nice person who had kind words for everyone. She will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Donations may be made to:

Villa Valencia Health Care Center
24552 Paseo De Valencia
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Phone: 949 458-8880

Hi I was with VR-24 Det Rota from 1980-1983 Worked Maintenance Control and QA. Looking forward to hearing from shipmates from the detachment.

I was in VR 24 81 thru 85 and again 89 thru 92. I remember many  good people and many good times.  The hardest one to let go of and one of the best is of Skipper Punches.  He was the finest CO I ever served.  He pinned my last promotion in Maintenance Control where I did most of my time.  Hello to all of my old shipmates .

I forgot (old age) my e-mail  rdigi@dejazzd.com

I arrived in Port Lyautey, December 1962. Moved to Rota and left in September 1965. I was a radioman in the 130's and 54's. It was a very good time in my life...I will be forwarding some photo's,keep an eye out Jim and Ray.