Patrol Squadron VP-47

By the end of the Korean War, Patrol Squadron VP-47 had made three deployments in support of United Nations forces in Korea and made a home port change to Alameda, California. Here the squadron acquired the new P5M-2 seaplane. Adopting as their motto, “The Best in the West,” VP-47 flew the Navy’s most modern seaplanes on four deployments to Iwakuni, Japan.

The next five years VP-47 won the Dual Pilot Aircraft Safety Award in 1955, the Commander Naval Air Pacific Forces “Fleet Battle Efficiency” Award in 1956 and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for seaplanes in 1957 with over 7,000 accident-free hours flown.

P5M-2 Marlin aircraft on the line at NAS Alameda – circa 1955 (Photo courtesy of David Putnam)

Jeffries, Sherwood Z. (USN)

Sherwood Z. Jeffries

Tour of Duty: 1955-1957

Unit: VP-47

Top Classification: Unknown

“We flew P5M-2 seaplanes.”

Connell, B.J. (USN)

B.J. Connell – Commander

Tour of Duty: December 24, 1942 – July 22, 1944

Unit: Assembly and Repair (A&R)

A&R Commanding Officer

Commander Connell was the second commanding officer of Assembly &     Repair – NAS Alameda.

Grant, L.M. (USN)

L.M. Grant – Captain

Tour of Duty: September 4, 1940 – November 20, 1942

Unit: Assembly and Repair (A&R)

A&R Commanding Officer

Captain Grant was the first commanding officer of Assembly & Repair  NAS Alameda.

Messman of the Month

Each month the Station Subsistence Division selected an outstanding mess crew member as Messman of the Month. Along with the honor came an engraved trophy and the all important 72-hour leave. Selection was based on individual efforts, cooperation, military behavior and appearance. No mention was made in official documentation of dispensing large portions as part of the selection criteria.

Show here is Dorman Leighty, AA, Operations Department who won the award in February, 1965. Nice job, Leighty. An extra portion of mashed potatoes for everyone!

Caldwell, R.C. (USMC)

Russell Rodgers Caldwell – USMC (Dates of enlistment unknown)

Tour of Duty: 1980 to 1983

Top classification: Unknown

Unit: Marine Barracks

“I was at NAS Alameda from 1980 to 1983 at Marine Barracks. We guarded the nukes, (base entry) gates, and policed on base. What a pretty place to have lived for three years.”

Hayworth, J. (USMC)

Jack Hayworth – USMC (Dates of enlistment unknown)

Tour of Duty: 1966 -1967

Top Classification: Unknown

Unit: Marine Barracks

Contact Information: firecapt42@sbcglobal.net

No photo available

“I was in the Marines on this base in 1966 – 1967.”

“I’m looking for Rodney Fisher who was also stationed at NAS Alameda in that timeframe, or anyone else who served in the Marine Barracks at that time. Please contact me (e-mail shown above).”

Nixon, R. M. (USN)

Richard M. Nixon – Lt. Commander

Tour of Duty: 1944-45

Unit: Executive

Administrative Officer

Watson, R. S. (USN)

Raymond S. Watson – Commander

Tour of Duty: 1960

Unit: Overhaul & Repair Department

Production Planning Officer

Smedley (USMC)

“Smedley” was the Marine Barracks mascot in the late 1950’s and early 60’s.

Smedley reports to the First Sgt in 1960