donward@swbell.net: Guestbook

#DateNameEmail Address
Comments
1Tue Apr 9 2002 05:21Paul K. Whitley Paul.Whitley@equistarchem.com
I made the 66-67 as well as the 67-68 cruises as an AE2 in VF-13, and would like to thank Don Ward for putting this page together. I would also like to encourage anyone who visits this site to share any tidbits about the squadron and your old shipmates.
2Mon Apr 22 2002 16:44

3Mon Apr 22 2002 19:35Tom Ehlert Phantom4@webtv.net
I was an SK3 in S-1 Div. on the 66-67 & 67-68 MED Cruises. Had many good times and enjoyed watching flight ops. Good luck with your website. Hope many of your Squadron guys find out about it.
4Wed May 1 2002 12:08Dan Pierce drpierce@keepandbeararms.com
Great site! I was in VF-102 - an F-4 squadron -on the Enterprise (CVAN-65) and America (CVA-66) 1963-1966. VF-33 was flying F-8s while on the Enterprise with us - they were definitely gunfighters. I recall some photorecon F8s on the Enterprise - one had its brakes fail while being spotted on the flight deck while the ship was anchored off Istanbul. The Crusader went over the side into the sea; the plane captain managed to jump before it went in.
Thanks very much for the photos and narrative - brings back many memories.
5Tue Oct 22 2002 13:13DW
Test
6Tue Dec 31 2002 22:35roger a stoick rogerastoick@yahoo.com
I was in vf-13 from 1966 to 1999 and was an az2. I enjoyed the time. thanks for the web site.
7Wed Mar 5 2003 13:57Sam Estlow estlow"ncia.net
I was in the squadron from 5/60 til 2/62. We were the best. Lots of fun, great shipmates. I would like to hear from anyone that served with me.
8Thu Mar 13 2003 00:17Jack A. Ripley Jjr0723@AOL.com
Was a member of VF-13 when the squadron was flying the mighty F4D Skyray. Would like hearing from any and all members of that time.
9Tue Jul 1 2003 15:06William S Legarth bsnc4@aol.com
VF-13 1966-69,Crusader Captain and Proud of it.
10Wed Jul 9 2003 20:25Allen R. Williams Rogerwms@wowway.com
I served with Vf-13 from !/62 t0 1/64 making two med cruises on the Shangri-la served on the Lexington and the Independence during the cuban crisis. Made one minnie and a shake down cruise, and a carribian cruise, I was stationed at cecil field in jacksonville, Fla.with vf-13 and I have stayed in touch with a couple of my vf13 buddies
11Sun Aug 3 2003 21:52Thomas Lasota AO3 hondamama@hotmail.com
I've been in contact with Jem Golden AO3 for the past year and also in touch with CWO Al Johnson on an almost daily basis. Would like very much to contact others from the past.
12Mon Aug 4 2003 06:20RON MONTAGUE rlm258@aol.com
13Fri Aug 8 2003 08:18Lee Reilly sailbuff@yahoo.com
AMS-2 in VF-13...1966-1969
14Sat Oct 4 2003 08:20George Elkins tdelkins@bellsouth.net
Thanks for the memories. I enjoyed seeing some of the names from the past.
15Sun Jan 11 2004 15:01asa (ace) richardson okpoppa@sbcglobal.net
discharged 1 dec. 1961 made med cruise,gitmo cruise,north atlantic cruise. spent alittle time cecil field we were flying f4d's
16Thu Jan 22 2004 17:22Bill Payne AM 2 cwp131@peoplepc.com
I served with VF 13 from 1949 to 1953 aboard the Oriskany, Coral Sea and the Wasp when it collided with the Hobson. At that time we were flying F4U5 Corsairs.
17Tue Feb 17 2004 11:27Felix Vardaro
18Tue Feb 17 2004 13:33Felix Vardaro filphyl@comcast.net
Served 17 Aug. 1960 to discharge 2, Jan. 1962 as an AME3 worked in maintenance. Finding this site brings back memories, we were flying F4's Skyrays, Squadron Commander was Cdr. Mercier.
19Mon Mar 15 2004 19:50robert kernaghan aqf/vf13 susieqbk@earthlink.net
was on board cruises from 64-67
20Mon Mar 15 2004 19:58robert kernaghan aqf/vf13 susieqbk@earthlink.net
was on board cruises from 64-67 vf13 crusader sqadron,AQF4 & PLANE CAPTAIN/MANY ADVENTURES!
21Mon Mar 15 2004 19:59robert kernaghan aqf/vf13 susieqbk@earthlink.net
was on board cruises from 64-67 vf13 crusader sqadron,AQF4 & PLANE CAPTAIN/MANY ADVENTURES!
22Fri May 7 2004 11:57Michael J Reilly mdreilly@adelphia.net
Great site! I was an AE-3 worked mids, made the last Med cruise Jan 69. left the navy in Sept 69.
23Wed Jun 30 2004 09:37Tom Wimberly twimbo@aol.com
I was with VF-13 when it was a Demon squadron, 1962 to 1964. Deployed aboard Independence for the Cuban missile crisis, and made a Med cruise aboard Shangri-La. A bunch of the Demon pilots and a couple of the maintainers attend the Demon reunions. Nice web site you've got here.
24Mon Aug 16 2004 14:12Jem Golden AO3
25Mon Aug 16 2004 14:14Jem Golden AO3 MageeFarm@aol.com
I was with the Squadron for 67-69. Great outfit!
I have info on several guys! contact me
26Wed Aug 18 2004 23:21Bob Apthorpe rebreadman@netscape.net
Member of VF-13 from 1956 thru 1959
27Wed Sep 1 2004 20:38Bob Apthorpe rabreadman@netscape.net
I was a member of VF-13 from 2 Oct 1956 through 27 September 1959, based as NAS Cecil Field, Flordia. I was an ATAN when I joined the squadron and was an AT2 when I was transferred from VF-13 onboard the USS Essex to Norfolk for separation. The squadron was flying F9F-8 Cougars when I joined them and later transitioned to F4D Skyrays in December 1958. I have several interesting stories from that time as well as a complete enlisted roster from 5 March 1958 on a copy of my orders to Gitmo for a month of gunnery exercises. If you have any interest email me and I will provide more.
28Wed Sep 1 2004 20:49Bob Apthorpe rabreadman@netscape.net
I was a member of VF-13 from 2 Oct 1956 through 27 September 1959, based as NAS Cecil Field, Flordia. I was an ATAN when I joined the squadron and was an AT2 when I was transferred from VF-13 onboard the USS Essex to Norfolk for separation. The squadron was flying F9F-8 Cougars when I joined them and later transitioned to F4D Skyrays in December 1958. I have several interesting stories from that time as well as a complete enlisted roster from 5 March 1958 on a copy of my orders to Gitmo, another complete roster from 14 April 1959 on orders aboard the USS Randolph and another roster from May 59 on orders aboard USS Essex. If anyone has any interest email me and I will provide more.
29Wed Sep 1 2004 20:51Bob Apthorpe rabreadman@netscape.net
I also have rosters from April and May 1959 on orders to board USS Randolph and USS Essex
30Sat Sep 18 2004 21:43Lloyd A. Savage (AMH-2) (E5) LSavage1@rochester.rr.com
Hi, guys...My son and I just discovered this web site, and we are so excited to see old friends and familiar names. We look forward to hearing more from everyone!
31Wed Dec 15 2004 11:28ASA (ACE) RICHARDSON OKPOPPAS@ATT.NET
WAS ABOARD FROM 1959 THUR 1961 WE FLEW F4D'S .SPENT MORE TIME IN THE READY ROOM THAN I CARE TO SAY.MADE 2 TRIPS TO THE CAREBEAN,1MED CRUISE AND 1 TO RHE NORTH ATLANTIC.ENJOY YOUR SITE DON KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK
32Sun Dec 26 2004 11:49William [Johnny] Johnon wr210j@webtv.net
I was a plane captain vf 13, f4d's. Uss Essex and Uss Shangri-La. 1959 1961. pilots I remember Nansteel
Swank, Bulwork.Spelling? Cecil field. South Hampton, Gitmo, Med Cruise.
Hung out at the Texas drive in, and the Pig and whistle. Frisco, Bozman, Guido, Scopp, Lambeck, Schwindt, Depauw. Fellow plane Captains.

33Sun Dec 26 2004 13:39William [Johnny] Johnson wr210j@webtv.et
correction for mispelling my last name in my first guest sign in.
34Wed Jan 12 2005 12:45felix f. vardaro filphyl@comcast.net
I served in VF-13 from 1960 to 1/2/62, my rank was ame-3 nick name was vd, a lot of people couldn't pronounce vardaro.
35Wed Jan 12 2005 14:20
36Thu Jan 20 2005 15:10Ernie "ROSY" Rosenthal urnest@aol.com
Served in VF-13 in the ready room for the final cruise in 1969.
37Sat Feb 5 2005 20:35John Borry skydivr7673@yahoo.com
Hey--this is a great site! My father was also a Nightcapper. John Borry Sr.....Aviation Machinist's Mate. he was on both Med cruises--66 and 68. Thanks to him, I have spent about my entire life looking up each time I hear airplanes in the sky. Thanks to all of you that served and sailed for us.
38Sun Feb 13 2005 10:39Louis Kitzmann lakitzmann@houston.rr.com
I check-in at Cecil Field Sept 1960 and the squadron was in the Med or England. I was a ADJ3 and was made plane captain when I join the squadron at Cecil Field. My one cruse to Carb. and gulf of Mexico. We were relieved by th USS Boxer so we could go the Med. When to the Med Feb.61 and returned May 61. I was discharged June 61. Why were we in the Carb and Gulf, Howard Macer was line PO. I worked nights hung with Bahlau and Whitaker.
39Tue Mar 22 2005 11:47Louis Kitzmann lakitzmann@houston.rr.com
Don I finaly found some of what I have been hunting.
1.Lt. Ayers went down March 10,1961. We were aboard the Shangri-la in the Med. We were in night operations of the coast of Italy. He radioed the ship he was going to land base because of fuel. Then we got a mayday call. Right after that we (I) saw a streke of light at about a 45degree angle down. Then an explosion. WE looked for 2 Days and all we found was the noise cone of the F4D he was flying. With all the looking I have been doing NO site ever made mention of him. He was a great guy and pilot.
there is some confusion on the were about of the shang and vf13 in 1960-61. the first of Nov. weleft Mayport on carrier quarls and returned on the 14th of Nov. As we unloaded we were told to load back up and left the same day(14th Nov.) for they say Guatemala & Nicaragua. We were chasing gun runners for cuba. WE returned 8th of DEc.1960. then on Feb. 2,1961 we left for the Med and returned the 15th of May 1961. In June of 61 they left Mayport for Poland.??. Idon't know much about that yet, because I was discharged the 29 of May 1961.
40Wed Apr 20 2005 19:37Warren Daniels wdaniels@optonline.net
VF-13 from 1966 to 1969.
41Thu Apr 21 2005 21:04Tom Cooper AQF3 VF-13 1964-67 trosscoop2@att.net
I remember taking a break waiting for the planes to come in (I was a plane captain then). We went into the the forward, starboard gun tub for a smoke. Weren't there too long when an F4 slid right off the flight deck over our heads, the pilot got out ok. Needless to say, they had a bunch of us up scrubbing the oil off the flight deck the next morning.
42Sun May 1 2005 11:33Steve Davis hogbody46@aol.com
Just surfed in from Spokane Washington. Great site, keep it going. This site brings back memories when I was in VF-194 from 1965-66 on the old Bonnie Dick. Check out my VF-194 F-8 site at http://hometown.aol.com/hogbody46/vf-194LEGENDARYREDLIGHTNINGS.html
43Wed May 11 2005 23:26Don Ward donward@cox.net
Well guys, it's finally happened, I retired on April 29th, and as soon as I finish all the Honey-do's around here, the new website is my next priority. So the VF-13 site will be moving to www.fitron-13.com. Have a lot of pics and updates in the works, so please be patient, while I get it all worked up.
Don Ward
44Mon Jul 4 2005 18:14John W Thoms. jwthoms@yahoo.com
I just came across this website after my 7 year old grandson discovered my 1965 Shangri La cruise
book and was wanting to see more info about it.
I was an AQF2 at the time I left the ship in August, 1965 in Genoa Italy (remember the Club Zanzibar) along with My good friend Mike Breck, AQF2 to find our way back to the States for an early out to attend college.I have a store of "This ain't no bullsh**" from that trip alone to last a life time.
I saw my name on the list and also the name of another old friend Jim Richardson and it brought
back a flood of memories of all the good times and wild times we had all over the Med and the Virgin Islands and New York City
I have been Living in Phoenix, Arizona since 1976 with my wife 38 years Judy.
I would love to hear from any of my old squadron/shipmates who should happen to see this
and also as this is being written on July 4th take a moment to thank all of the "Swabbies" from
before and after my time for all they have done and still do for this great country.
45Mon Sep 19 2005 10:48ED O`BRIEN ejobrien541@aol.com
WAS ABOARD SHANGRA-LA VF-13 1960-1960
NORTH ALANTIC CRUISE
MED CRUISE
F4D~S SKYRAYS
46Mon Sep 19 2005 10:58ED O`BRIEN AO3 ejobrien541@aol.com
WAS ABOARD SHANGRA-LA VF-13 1960-1960
NORTH ALANTIC CRUISE
MED CRUISE
F4D~S SKYRAYS
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE REMEMBERS
MIKE KRAFT FROM KY. AO-2 CARREER MAN
WOULD LIKE TO FIND HIM OR CONNECT THANKS.
47Thu Oct 13 2005 18:05Thomas H McKinney tmckinneyebony@yahoo.com
I was aboard the Shang serving with VF-13 between May 1960 and September 1962. We were flying the F4D fighter.
That plane was put to rest in '62 and we were transferred to VF-32 for a short time. I was discharged in Feb. 1963
48Mon Oct 17 2005 15:51Phil Lyman plddl@comcast.net
was with VF-13 from 1963-1967 as plane captain.
49Tue Nov 29 2005 11:31Greg Ownby gaocedar@aol.com
VF-13 AE-2
50Wed Nov 30 2005 17:21Lawrence C. Hamp AO3 larryjanet301@sbcglobal.net
I was in VF-13 from Jan 1960 to Nov 1960. We flew F4D-1 Skyray's at the time. Made a Gitmo cruise July 60 and a NATO cruise Sept 60. Transferred to VF-162 CAG 16 (new CAG) in Nov.60
51Thu Dec 1 2005 19:43RICHARD HOBBS dnlhobbs@compu.net
WAS IN VF-13 60 AND 61. WE HAD THE F4D-1 SKYRAY. I WAS A AME AND WORKED WITH LEVY RUSHING, ALSO AN AME. HAD TO LEAVE THE SHANG, IN SPAIN TO GO HOME FOR FATHERS FUNERAL, AND WHEN I GOT READY TO GO BACK TO MED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE SHIP WAS IN MAYPORT, THE CRUISE HAD BEEN CUT SHORT. IT WAS A GREAT SQD, AND ALOT OF GREAT FOLKS.
52Wed Mar 22 2006 21:41Bob Richmond bdrichmondred@hotmail.com
I served with Vf-13 from !/62 to 1/64 making one med cruise on the Shangri-la served on the Constellation, Lexington and the Independence during the cuban crisis. Made one minnie and a few shake down cruises, and a carribian cruise, I was stationed at cecil field in jacksonville, Fla.with vf-13 vf-131.I was an ADJ-3, worked on the screaming demons F3h allison engines. Was plane captain #103 My picture in the Uss Shangrila is #3. Reed and Richmond are reversed. Looking for some old buddys, to name a few Jerry Sims,John Gerhardt[how about those roofs in Spain ] Hughes, White, Chrockett, Brinkerhoff.
53Sat May 20 2006 23:59Lawrence (Larry) Heald lheald@stny.rr.com
I was an AK-3 in VF-13. Made 3 Med cruises from 66 to 69 went the squardon was decommissioned.
54Sat Jun 10 2006 09:38Bill "FEBA" Valigora bkval@hotmail.com
I never knew this website existed. It would be great to receive a newsletter if one exists. This website brings back some great memories.
55Thu Sep 21 2006 21:03Jeff Hallinan awol95@gmail.com
My father was Bob Hallinan. He passed away on 19 July 05. If anyone has pictures from the cruise please e-mail them to me. I would be very thankful.
56Sat Sep 23 2006 11:10Michael Reilly mdreilly@adelphia.net
I was in VF-13 from Jan69 to Oct69 as an AE3 on nightshift. Great time!!!
57Wed Nov 22 2006 23:54frank bozman frank bozman@sbcglobal.net
Served in vf-13 fron june 1959 to sept 1961 was on the line crew. Remember frisco mike scoop lambreck schwindt vardaro guido johnson and the texas drive in. saw frisco in 2003 hes living in durango col. he was the best man at my weddding in 1961.
58Thu Jan 11 2007 20:47Don Ward donward@cox.net
Well, still haven't got the website transferred, but will before long, hopefully.
Got an e-mail from Dave Johnson today, and CWO Al Johnson, who was the Avionics/Ordnance Division Chief on the 67/68 cruise, passed away recently. Memorial service is 1/15/07 in Orange Park, Fl.
59Thu Jan 11 2007 20:51Don Ward donward@cox.net
Well, still haven't got the website transferred, but will before long, hopefully.
Got an e-mail from Dave Johnson today, and CWO Al Johnson, who was the Avionics/Ordnance Division Chief on the 67/68 cruise, passed away recently. Memorial service is 1/15/07 in Orange Park, Fl.
60Mon Jan 15 2007 23:57Jim Brumm AZ-2 jdbrumm@yahoo.com
I was with VF-13, going aboard the Shangri-la in spring 1964 in Barcelona, Spain. I was then a plane captain with F-3 Demons, changing to the F-8 Crusaders at Cecil Field, then 1965 had another Med cruise. Was a great experience. I left in mar. 1966.
61Thu Jan 25 2007 13:59Joe (Duke) Cotoia jcotoia@cogeco.ca OR joe.cotoia@trw.com
Hi Don. It was a real treat to find your website. You more than likely don't remember me, I was with VF-13 from late 1965 till June of 1969. The site reminds me of many good times. I am now living in Niagara Falls Canada and have been with TRW for 31 years. I still make it down to Florida 4-6 times a year as that is where I was from (Hollywood). If anyone out there remembers me it would be great to hear from you. Till Later, Joe
62Mon Feb 5 2007 14:14D.R. Jones
Served as Plane Captain 68-69. Richy Tallman?
Based at Cecil. Gitmo & Med cruise. Finished in 72 at Saufley Field as AMS2. Does anyone remember 'bingo" Berry?
63Mon Feb 5 2007 15:19Warren Daniels wdaniels@optonline.net
Hello Don,
I was in VF-13 from 1966 to 1969. I was on three Shangri La Med Cruises during that time.
Be sure to add my email address to the list!
I live in Jefferson Township, NJ.
Warren Daniels
64Mon Mar 26 2007 21:00Joseph C Sweigart Jr lpaul04@aol.com
Hello Don,I am writting you on my fathers behalf, his name is Joseph C Sweigart Sr, he was an AD3 plane captain who served in VF-13 and was on the 67-68 cruise on the Shang! He does not have a computer so I thought I would write to ask you if you could add him to your list of VF13 personel. I always remember him telling me about getting his foot run over by an F-8. I'm proud of my family's Navy heritage, my uncle served on the USS Hancock(I think?), and I served on the USS Ranger (CV 61)from 1991-1993. Thanks for the great site.
Joe.....
65Mon Aug 13 2007 09:02wilfong,gerald ABH-2 bwtruckinginc@yahoo.com
was in vf13 63to66 we had scream demons then F8u2ne we had a real time 0n shi--shang dump 3,000 gl.black oil on frinch rev.what a mess
66Sun Aug 19 2007 06:54Johnny [Bill] Johnsin jo24j@msn.com
Just wanting to say hi.

Still looking for Buddies VF13 1959 1960,Essex and the Shang
67Thu Sep 27 2007 02:16John K. Roderick rodsroost1@alamedanet.net
Was a member of Fitron 13 from 1/61 to 12/62. Went TAD to the CAG office in or around June of '61 and finished my service there, just after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Served under some Great CAG'S. Howard E. Greer and Joseph P. Moorer!
68Thu Nov 1 2007 07:12Bill Buckley wmbuckley@comcast.net
Just signing in for muster.
69Fri Dec 21 2007 15:11Art Rose brushangels@tri-lakes.net
I was in Vf 13 1964 to 1966 made one medcrusehot pad duty in Bocaraton.Had a stay in PuertoRico For amonth
70Sat Jan 5 2008 22:50george bumsted marilynb@combssurvey.com
hello everyone
71Mon Jan 21 2008 17:49Michael J Reilly AE-3 mjrdjr@comcast.net
Just checking in. Happy New year to all!
72Mon Jan 21 2008 21:59Bob Richmond bdrichmond@verizon.net
Just checking in. Check out my previous entry #52 if anyone served during those times give me a shout. Thanks for this guest book Don happy New Year.
73Fri Feb 15 2008 15:21Bill [Johnny] Johnson jo24j@msn.com
Hey Bozman I just read your post. This is my new address,please contact me.

I have been contacted by Frank Biles,he is in Texas.Contact me and I will send you his address.
If you have anyones address Frisco Guido Scopp etc. please send them to me.
Texas Drive in- great times.

vf13 1959 1961 essex Shang.
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77Sun Mar 23 2008 07:21DAVE BEBOUT DHBDAWG@COMCAST.NET
23 March 2008 I was in Vf-13 fm Dec 1966 till Dec 1969. Plane Captain & A/F & Troubleshooter- Amh-3. Retired Feb 1995= AFCM. Still in Jax, Fla.
Saw ADC Don Fortin as Tech: Rep: on USS INDY 1997 Yokosuka, Japan.
George "Dagwood" Bumstead, where you at now?
78Mon Apr 7 2008 14:57ASA (ACE) RICHARDSON arpoppa@centurytel.net
NEW. MAIL ADDRESS, LOOKING TO FIND FRANK PARIS FROM ABOUT 59-62
79Mon May 19 2008 10:07Pat McCollum pat.mccollum@weatherford.com
I was an ATN3 with VF 13 from March 30, 1964 until I was discharged on September 27, 1966. I was on the Med cruise in 64/65 which returning to Mayport on September 21, 1965. During the cruise we had the oil spill in Cannes on July 12, 1965 and we were in a collision with another Navy ship sending us to Naples for reparis. Shipmates in my department included David A. Chase and Henry Rommerdahl.
80Thu Jun 5 2008 11:50Ken Egan egank01@sbcglobal.net
Hello, My name is Ken Egan (AEC Ret). I was in VF-13 for the 66-67 Med cruise. I retired from the Navy in 1984 and have since retired from teaching at Louisiana Technical College. I am now living in Tomball, TX (Houston). Thanks for the website and the memories.
Ken
81Thu Jun 12 2008 12:11Paul L King kingpg40@comcast.net
I was in VF-13 from 1963-1966.