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First Squadron assignments

Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:20 pm

This is directed to military aviators/aircrew/maintainers.
When you reported to your first squadron, What was the experience like? What did you have to do? How did you get settled in?

I'm looking to get a feel for the experience for a project I'm working on.

Re: First Squadron assignments

Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:12 pm

Joined the NAVY July 71 as an Aviation Machinist Mate, after various schools in Millington, Tenn. Went to VAQ-130 at NAS. Alameda for FRAMP training on the A-3 Skywarrior. Arrived at NAS. Agana Guam in 72 to join my first squadron, VQ-1 as a mech on the EA-3B Skywarrior. Checking into the PowerPlants shop that first day i was greeted by a bunch of cool and laid back Pro's, the VietNam war was in full swing and things were really lax and fun, the squadron was a busy place with Detachments in NAF. Atsugi Japan, DaNang RVN, Cubi Pt. Philippines and various carrier dets. VQ-1 had a mixed fleet of aircraft, EA-3B's, RA-3B's, EP-3B's and EC-121's, busted my knucles on each and every one of them, made all the dets and a special Photo Op Det to Osan AFB. in Korea with the RA-3 photo birds. Made a lot of good friends my 3 yrs there, one guy in particular was a fellow Cali man, ADJ3 Bud Clark, he took me under his wing and we have been good friends to this day, I am also one his daughters God father. My time in Guam has to be one of my best experiences in the NAVY. I have heard from various guys i have served with on the Veterans Forums. Those first 4 yrs in the NAVY really made a favorable impression on me that i made it a career serving 22 yrs and retiring in 93, all i can say is NO REGRETS! :drink3:

Re: First Squadron assignments

Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:21 pm

Malo83 wrote:Joined the NAVY July 71 as an Aviation Machinist Mate, after various schools in Millington, Tenn. Went to VAQ-130 at NAS. Alameda for FRAMP training on the A-3 Skywarrior. Arrived at NAS. Agana Guam in 72 to join my first squadron, VQ-1 as a mech on the EA-3B Skywarrior. Checking into the PowerPlants shop that first day i was greeted by a bunch of cool and laid back Pro's, the VietNam war was in full swing and things were really lax and fun, the squadron was a busy place with Detachments in NAF. Atsugi Japan, DaNang RVN, Cubi Pt. Philippines and various carrier dets. VQ-1 had a mixed fleet of aircraft, EA-3B's, RA-3B's, EP-3B's and EC-121's, busted my knucles on each and every one of them, made all the dets and a special Photo Op Det to Osan AFB. in Korea with the RA-3 photo birds. Made a lot of good friends my 3 yrs there, one guy in particular was a fellow Cali man, ADJ3 Bud Clark, he took me under his wing and we have been good friends to this day, I am also one his daughters God father. My time in Guam has to be one of my best experiences in the NAVY. I have heard from various guys i have served with on the Veterans Forums. Those first 4 yrs in the NAVY really made a favorable impression on me that i made it a career serving 22 yrs and retiring in 93, all i can say is NO REGRETS! :drink3:


I was on Guam from 74-76ish (I was 6). My father was with VQ-1 during that time. He was flight crew on the EP-3s. Hi name is Henry Rose. Small world that we were there at the same time (roughly) though you were working on real planes while I was playing with toy planes :)

Re: First Squadron assignments

Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:56 pm

Would you happen to have pic of your Dad, i knew remember some flight crew but time has taken it's toll on my memories :lol:

Re: First Squadron assignments

Sun Jan 14, 2018 4:29 pm

dad.jpg


dad2.jpg

Re: First Squadron assignments

Mon Jan 15, 2018 12:11 pm

Thanks Scott, your dad looks very familiar, wish i could have said for certain that i knew him.
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