VSF-1 “Warhawks” Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron Home » NAS Units » VSF-1 “Warhawks” Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron

vsf1-warhawks-patchStationed at NAS Alameda: 1965 to 19?? — VSF-1 was established on 1 July 1965. On 1 July 1966 VSF-1 was split in half — One half remained as VSF-1 and deployed on the USS Shangri-La CVS-38 to the Mediterranean and the other half was called VSF-1 Det Alameda which was later renamed VSF-3 Chessmen.

 

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— provided by R. R. “Boom” Powell, Cdr, USN (Ret), member of the Skyhawk Association

92 thoughts on “VSF-1 “Warhawks” Anti-Submarine Fighter Squadron

  1. I served with VP-19 (Patrol Squadron) from 1958 thru 1962 at NAS Alameda. We flew Lockheed P2V-7 aircraft.

    1. larry.. i was transfered back to shore duty in feb 1963 to beeville texas while i was in vp19 i was a check crew chief and also flew with crew 10 in PE10 do you remember kenny stump? he passed a couple of years ago had retired from maint at the pentagon his wife stills lives in that area.i visited her a couple of yrars ago..when i left vp19 i was an ADJ2…ersel rust

  2. I served Marine Barracks NAS Alameda 1983-85 and did not find this Marine detachment as one of the units represented as one of the units on this base.

    1. Yes indeed! NAS Alameda was my first duty station in 1992. That was also the same year the MCSFco unit decommissioned as well (November or December 1992); then we had our choice of serving the rest of our Barracks duty commitment at either Bangor WA or Concord CA (I went to Bangor). Although the MCSFco unit was a small one at NAS Alameda, I also think it’s important to record our history, and not have it disappear in time.

      1. Altamira don’t know if you remember me it’s Curry, me and about 5 or 6 others were the last group to serve a complete tour there. I went to the fleet in October of 92. Me Lapland Morrison and cpl jones, cpl labron, and cpl ford left together. Along with some others. Just wanted to know if you remembered? Your right the unit does need to be remembered. Great tour of duty, and a highly important one.

    2. I also served at the US Marine Barracks Alameda from 1985- 1986 and would like to connect with other Marines.

      1. Were you there in 1985; because I’m concerned about a friend that moved in 85 a Filipino family the father was a American
        I lost contact with them may you please help me

    3. I was an ative duty Marine crew chief with MAG 42 , HMH 769 CH-53 unit March 1981- June 1983. Also not mentioned.

  3. I notice the abscense of the c118 and vr 21 fleet tactical support and reconasse squadrenwe were home based in barbets polnt
    hawaii and hsd a detachment at alameda.

    1. While we do have an archive, the info is not cataloged, much less digitized for access. Our museum is more about showing what happened at the base and it’s relationship to the City of Alameda, through artifacts and displays. Good luck finding info.
      Robbie Dileo, Secretary

  4. There was also VMA-141 and a MAG plus a H&MS squadron assigned there. I can not remember what MAG was there.

    1. It was MAG-42, which consisted of VMA-133 and HMH-769. I served there at the the squadron level and also at the Paraloft from 1988-1992.

  5. Request assistance in obtaining a copy of COMFAIRALAMEDA Instruction 3310.5 (late 1950’s) containing “Sandblower” mission routes/checkpoints.
    I am researching my fathers aviation career and I am specifically looking for information on the “Sandblower #12” mission route. Sandblower routes are identified in this instruction.

    Thank You.

  6. Why no VR-30 listed? The first squadron to receive the Navy’s first jet transport in April 1973, the C9B. They also deployed on the USS Hornet for Carrier on Board Delivery for the astronauts returning from space. VR 55 received the C130 in 1994 not 1993 and were at Moffett at that time.
    Thanks for the all the work with the museum, I need to stop by and check it out, Thanks, Ross Bogert, VR-30 and VR55. 20 years Hanger 40

    1. Thanks for the info. Will look into updating the website. I am new to doing changes and approving comments.
      Robbie Dileo, Secretary

  7. I see from looking at your site that you that you don’t have Commander Fleet Air Alameda (COMFAIRALAMEDA) listed. I served on Staff there from 4/67 to 5/69. COMFAIRALAMEDA located on the second floor of the Headquarters Building was the Senior Command over Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda, CA; NAS Lemoore, CA; NAS Moffett Field, CA; NAS Fallon, NV and Aircraft Carriers: USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Ranger (CV-61), USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Oriskany (CV-34), USS Hancock (CVA-19) and others that were home ported in Alameda, CA. In 1967 or 1968 President Ronald Reagan then Governor Reagan visited COMFAIRALAMEDA Rear Admiral Frederick E. Bakutis.

    1. Thanks for commenting. I am new to website replies and updating of information. Will look into including info.

      Robbie Dileo, Secretary

  8. I’m not sure were this information would be listed but I forgot to mention that the movie “Yours mine and ours” with Henry Fonda and Lucille Ball was filmed at NAS Alameda and on the USS Enterprise. A couple of COMFAIRALAMEDA’s officers, their children and myself were in the move filmed in 1967 and released April 24, 1968.

    1. Worked as bag boy/carry out (for extra pocket money on my days off) at the commissary when the movie commissary scene was shot. All of the bag boys were hustled out of the way so that movie extras could fill in! Stationed at the Fleet Weather center.

    2. I was there as well and do remember the filming. We watched from a distance myself and Michael Medina.

  9. I have the 1940 – 1980 NARF Alameda yearbook digitized on “Photobucket”. You may have access to it for photos etc. and photos for those now in the “Memorial” section of your website. Go to http://www.photobucket, login = paisan2u1 and password = hotdog4u. In the entire book, there is no identification of who produced, published or printed it, nor any copyright claims or statements, as the entire book and all pages are shown. I hope this may contribute to your site. Feel free to copy any/all. (Please do not make any additions, deletions or changes to the contents in my page)
    Nick Quattrociocche
    NAS Alameda, USN 1972-1976
    NARF Alameda, 1977-1986

  10. I guess you totally forgot 1955 thru 1957 Of ATG1 air group and the squadrons, . Especially VF111 the SUNDOWNERS.

  11. i was stationed there in 1960.61 62 63 in vp 19 i was a check crew chief and flight crew plane captain flying #pe10 a p2v7 neptune transfered out when they went to the p3v orion and moved the
    squadron to moffit field …

  12. Hi
    I’m trying to contact someone at the Museum to discuss the Seaplane Ramp conditions and hanger facilities for the Martin Mars. We have the 2 Mars here and are looking to store the Philippine Mars until it can be flown to NAS Pensacola. My contact number is 1-250-724-0584.
    Thanks

  13. Hi, I was stationed there from Dec. 68 to Sept. 70 to COMFAIRALAMEDS “DET A”. Does anybody have any information on this detachment and who was stationed with them. I’m trying to find my history with this Unit.

  14. I was a nineteen year old airman in 1969. Was sent with my squadron VSF1 based in Alameda to Norfolk Virginia to the USS Independence.Went on a NATO cruise mostly in the north Atlantic,dropped the hook off Portsmouth England and during that time had the time of my life.Had my boot camp buddies there alsoRay, Don, and Roger.Worked on the flight deck as plane captain. Lots of hrs.What a great time!

  15. I did not see the Naval Weather Service Facility listed as a NAS Alameda unit. I was an AK1 attached form February 1974 to August 1976. I believe they moved to Norfolk Va.

      1. No I didn’t, I transferred in 1976 to USS Coral Sea which was going thru a yard period at Long Beach Shipyard. I came back to NAS Alameda in 1979 Supply Department Bldg. 8 and Bldg. 77. I was the Leading chief and ASD Chief and retired in June 1981. Out of 20 years in the Navy, I spent 16 of them home ported or station at NAS Alameda. The last time I was on the base was in 1983 and have not been back since.

        1. I was stationed at Alameda 1961-1964 with the supply department. I started the express for piority 1 and request, Then was the storekeeper at the AUW shop.

  16. I was assigned to VSF-1 “Warhawks” in 1967 after plain captain training, we were attached to the USS Independence CVA62 out of Norfolk, VA and deployed to the Mediterranean Six Fleet. After the cruise which included three aircraft carriers (service to the fleet) in the Mediterranean I was stationed in Norfolk, VA with the Joint Chiefs of Staff ” (CINCLANTFLEET) . I was releaved from active duty after 52 months in March 1971 as Yeoman Second Class with an honorable discharge in 1972. I enjoyed my enlistment and if I could do it over I would be proud to. I worked on the flight deck before I transferred to squadron office as yeoman. Great time proud to be a veteran of the United States Navy.

    1. I don’t know if you remember me, PR3 Ronald O’Connor. I do vaguely remember you. I was on that Med-Cruise and the following NATO cruise. For the Record, VSF-1 was Decommissioned upon returning from the NATO cruise which was around 9 October 1969 as we had mass assembly to get orders for the squadron. I received orders to VP-40 at Moffett Field with my step-brother. I separated August 1970. I had all intentions of returning to college but thanks to circumstances I elected to re-enlist but went Air Force and retired 1 April 1989.

      1. Ron is it true that you remember me? I’m trying to place you. How about some comments. I just noticed your remark. Regards, Marty

  17. I served with VP-9 1962-1963 P2V-7 , I also served in the following reserve units VR-874 C-54s, VR-51 C118s and VR-55 DC-9. All where based at NAS
    Alameda, Retired from VR-55 1990, 30 years service 1960-1990

  18. I reported aboard as a 3rd class Electronics Tech, fresh out of “A” School in Millington, TN Dec 31, 1956 assigned to VP-19. While stationed there the squadron made 2 deployments Kodiak, AK in May 1957 and the second to Iwakuni, Japan. I was released from Active Duty Sep 1959. I was hired as Electronic Installer in Oct 1961 at NAS Alameda’s O & R assigned to Flight Test. I worked in the Production Control, Material Planning Br, Workload Planning Br. before retiring in 1988 as GS-12 Material Planning branch head.

  19. I was a Seabee assigned to the Transportation Dept and later to the Riggers Loft. There were a number of us there , though we did not comprise a “unit” as such. You might wish to include the Seabee logo as a part of the Alameda team even though we were not a separate recognized unit serving there.

      1. Alameda photo lab (1966) after transfer from VP-46 Moffett Field. Can’t remember many – long ago, timed out. After over 55 years, I’m still in touch with three shipmates. That’s pretty good we are all in our 80’s.
        Alameda lab had a sign on the dark room door “someday my prints will come” so I knew there were women around, it was a period of increasing gender representation.
        I returned in 1967, briefly, for the awarding of an Air Medal – over twenty 12 hour reconnaissance missions in unsecured air space. Discharged, I ran a science research photo lab in Berkeley. My Civil Service grade was GS-11 and I thank the Navy, Pensacola photo schools A and B schools building 1500 for the great training and job opportunities.
        Michael J. Beaucage PH-1

  20. Does anyone have any info on Fleet Tactical Support Squadron VR 871, we had the old C 118’s in the mid 60’s to early 70’s. I left in Feb. 72

  21. Hi, so, this is going to come off fairly strange but I’ll begin. My husband and I recently found out that his birth father is not who we believed him to be. Apparently his mom had a fling with someone who was stationed at Alameda in 1990 and 1991. His parents have passed on but he grew up with his grandparents. He was 21 at the time and his mom was 18. She says he worked on a ship that looked like an upside down cockroach.
    The only names she could provide were “Jody Ogden” so please, if you are or know of this person, contact me.

    1. You should check the list off ships on this page. Look at the ship designation AOR AFS. I think there are only two, they kind of look like that.

  22. Successful anti-submarine warfare depends on a mix of sensor and weapon technology, training, and experience. Sophisticated sonar equipment for first detecting, then classifying, locating, and tracking the target submarine is a key element of ASW. To destroy submarines, both torpedos and naval mines are used, launched from air, surface, and underwater platforms. ASW also involves protecting friendly ships.

  23. I was there Jan. 69 to Sept.70 I was a aircraft escort in a unit called Comfaiealameda Det A Does anybody remember this unit? I need to find out stuff on this to help me out with a health claim. twodogs110349@yahoo.com Thanks

  24. Sept. 1968 I came out of Aviation Support Equipment School at NATTC Jacksonville and sent to NAS Alameda as my first duty Station. I was assigned to AIMD servicing Yellow Gear for the squadrons. Arrived an E3 and left an E5 in late 1970. (new rate, fast advancement) Went to USS Independence that was on a Med cruise. Joined the ship in Athens

    1. Lt. Underwood;
      I reported to DVR 21 Hanger 40, NAS Alameda April of 65…I Believe you were Ltjg at the time and the Line Division Officer…I became Flight Crew PC and flew on C1A 031 with you…Cmd. Crawford was our CO at that time….

      Bob Schupp AMS3

  25. Does anyone answer or comment on any of the above request? Seems as though death ears prevails here. I haven’t heard any comments one way or the other. Is this time waisted? Thanks and with regards.

    1. I remember few in my squadron VSF-1. However the ones I do remember were decent men LTJG Gerry Evens, LT Howie Fowler, LT A Lee Woodham, LTJG Steven Batory, YN2 Kenneth Strieble, PN3 ? Keith Callahan, Mike Medina, Mark Messinger and many more. I would like to exchange some thoughts and moments. I’m 73 years old now with only 40% of my hearing.

      1. I was assigned to VSF-1 in September 1965 as a yeoman trainee. I remember Yeoman Chief Robert Baumer. Robert Waring was the commanding officer. In 1966 the squadron split and I was part of VSF-1 Det Alameda, then the name was changed to VSF-3. Served in Vietnam on the USS Intrepid CVS-11 in 1967. I am also 73 years old.

        1. Hi John I am Ron Kohl VSF1 PN Sept 65 to May 67 with Robert Swanson, Rick Davila, Paul Lukes. We made a Med Cruise in the Shang.

          1. I was assigned to VSF-1 when it was 1st originated 1 July 1965, Alameda NAS U.S Navy Airman crew chief A4-E Skyhawk #81
            enjoyed serving with this Unit Deployed to Fallon, Nv. for bombing practice several times.

            Looking for anyone who was assigned to ASWF Squadron VSF-1 during 65 -66

      2. I commented on one of your posts. I remember LT Woodham, Ken Strieble, Mike Medina and Mark Messinger. I’ll be 73 in September back living in Oregon and my hearing had pretty much gone also.

      3. I’m beginning to think no one answers these posts either. Can’t include mu email as they say they wont publish them but should it pass..my email is tmberwolfe2@yahoo.com. Any other former VSF1 personnel from late 66 early 70 to October 1969 (roughly) may email me.

        1. The postings here are for hopefully to connect with others. We are working to improve the visibility of this site, and if you want to see some old pictures on FB go to alameda naval air station museum
          Working on a way to have the same pictures here on this website without making it too clunky.

  26. I transferred from VA_22 to VA113 det Q . Made a westpac on the USS Bennington . A great det with good shipmates.

  27. I served as a Marine in the Marine Barracks there from December of 78 to July 81. I was one of the Marine Guards there. Came as a Private and left as a Corporal. The last year I was the instructor for new guards coming in.
    It’s ok to contact me at krodecker@aol.com

  28. I was with HMM769 from 1960 thru 66 NAS Oakland/ NAS Alameda. Great squadron Good people. We flew the UH34 Tail-Draggers. As a plane captain I logged many hours flying low and slow around California. Any old marines form HMM-769 our there?

  29. I was attached to the Naval Weather Service Facility Alameda from 1974-1976 at Bldg 19 and Bldg 77 as an Aviation Storekeeper first class.

  30. Does anyone remember the once upon a time hospital/dispensary at bldg.16? I was stationed there for 2 and a half years. Worked with wonderful people drs., nurses, and corpsman.

  31. I was stationed at VR-30 from 1975 to 1978 as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer, and later to NALCOEASTPAC the outfit that did logistics scheduling for the Navy.

  32. For the (2nd of 2) post-WWII Lockheed ‘Constitution’ behemoth transports BuNo 85163, Navy R6V, assigned VF-44 Alameda, where would operational logs be archived? We’re looking for the dates of its May-June 1949 U.S. Navy recruiting ‘tour’ stops in 19-cities across – in particular, the stop at the Allegheny County Airport, Pittsburgh PA. I watched it t/o as a kid, but have no idea what date that was.

  33. USMC Mobilization Training Unit CA-43 (AVN) was based at NAS Alameda. The unit was in existence long before I joined in 1989 until base closure. Unit then went to Moffet Field, The Oakland Army Base, and finally Coast Guard Island. I was the unit’s OIC at the last location. I bought my Marine sword at the Base Exchange when it closed. It’s now displayed in my living room in Hayward.

  34. HMH 769 was a heavy Marine helicopter squadron based at NAS Alameda as part of Marine Air Group 42. The unit was ransferred to NAS in the early 1990s. Why are they not recognized in the squadron list?Miramar

  35. I just found out that my father served as an Aviation Machinist Mate Airman and was part of the Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron, Eight, US Naval Air Station, Alameda, CA. Is there any information anywhere on this particular squadron?

  36. I was in VA-304 from 86-88 when the squadron patch skull design was charged to a smaller round one under the airplane. We were on the USS ranger for two week squadron detatchment. I had a small collection of patches I collected everywhere I went but lost after I got out and I had a black security jacket a friend gave me I sewed some patches on myself up in the paraloft as a parachute rigger inspecting and sewing pilots flight gear and looking out the window watching planes taking off and landing at NAS Alameda airbase. I can’t find some of the patches original not reproduced of vak 208 and VA 308 etc if anyone can find one please let me know. Thomas wheeler 360-605-4391 thank you

  37. I was in VA-304 from 86-88 when the squadron patch skull design was charged to a smaller round one under the airplane. We were on the USS ranger for two week squadron detatchment. I had a small collection of patches I collected everywhere I went but lost after I got out and I had a black security jacket a friend gave me I sewed some patches on myself up in the paraloft as a parachute rigger inspecting and sewing pilots flight gear and looking out the window watching planes taking off and landing at NAS Alameda airbase. I can’t find some of the patches original not reproduced of vak 208 and VA 308 etc if anyone can find one please let me know. Thomas wheeler 360-605-4391 thank you

  38. Worked a NAS Alameda in 1972. I worked for 4 months there. I delivered chits to various departments around the bay. Got to take a ride on The Big E before my service with the Navy concluded. A good friend of mine worked there for years out of the NARF building, I think it was building 8. His name was Nick Nickels. I remember having breakfast for .25. Miss the base. But, times change. And there were Marines there. You met them at the entrance gates. They ran security there and at MOTBA, Oakland, Ca. I believe. Hard to remember that far back. Nice article though.

  39. I served active duty in the “TAR” Program with the Aviation Technical Training Unit from 1967-68. My commanding officer was CDR JR Mills and Chief PO Strickland was my Immediate Supervisor. Both were great men and leaders. I’ll never forget them and my other colleagues.

  40. John R. Polinsky (pollock nick name) assigned to VF-92 in Jan. 1958 thru Feb. 1961.I went on the USS Yorktown cruise Nov 58 thru July 59, we had four F2H2 Banshie, our designation was VF-92 Detachment “N”. On the 2nd cruise it was on the USS Ranger with F2H3 Demonds,that cruise went from Feb. 60 thru Aug. 60, that was with the whole CAG-9.

  41. Mike campanella, was part of VR 30, TAD to the galley on the Master of Arms Force. From 1970 to 1971, does anyone remember the First class petty officer in charge, he was a good man. Took me under his wing, trying to locate him.

  42. I was there from January 1955 to August 1958 with VF64, CAG2 except for six months in 1956 when we were deployed on the USS Shangri La for a six month cruise. NAS Alameda was a great place to be.

  43. I was there from January 1955 to August 1958 with VF64, CAG2 except for six months in 1956 when we were deployed on the USS Shangri La for a six month cruise. NAS Alameda was a great place to be.

  44. I appreciate You guys who provide a wealth of knowledge that make it possible for many others like myself to reminisce and never forget the old NAS Alameda Navy days. Comments that bring back the spirit that us young sailors mostly operated on during toil and during recreation times like at the Alameda NCO(Tiger) Club which was my only really connection to NAS Alameda serving as a deck quartermaster on carrier Hancock. Boy that was our only real outlet while in port in those days . But otherwise I still like to hear That the rest of you guys can sometimes make successful contact with your old buddies back in the day when an old deck sailor like myself from a small division (navigation) will never find my old shipmates.

    Best to all you and thank you for your service in the best Navy in the world.
    Rick Rogers, QM2, 1968-72

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