Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial

Dedication of the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial occurred at 1000 on 14Sep2006.
Veterans Memorial Park, Oak Harbor, Washington

The Concept

Drawing by Dave Bowen
The Result

Image taken by Dino Vlahakis at the dedication ceremony.
Reverse side of the wall
Image taken by Bob Eccles at the dedication ceremony.
Location
Historical Background
 Aircraft Gallery
Construction Scrapbook		 Articles
Patio Brick Locator
Comment
    The principal speaker at the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony was the Commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten, Captain David M Taylor.  The transcript of his message is here.


Dino Vlahakis
Notice
    A video of scenes from the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial dedication ceremony remembering VP-2 Crew 12 is here, Courtesy of Bill Laux.  Download the file and play it in Windows Media Player.  A fast connection speed is desireable since the file is 5.3MB in size.
    Bill also produced a similar video remembering the VP-17 Crew lost in 1963.  (linked below)    [nvsoar_ 09Jan2008]

More images to follow - Click on the image for a larger version.  
For now see http://www.patron2.com/files/reunions/r_2006e.html                            [nvsoar   05Jan2007]
The link to memorial video remembering VP-17 is  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGx9ssWC6rE
Statement of Purpose
    The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial has a single, simple purpose: The recognition of the contribution to freedom that the men and women, along with their families, of the NAS Whidbey Island patrol squadron community has made in over 60 years of service.  This long span has involved thousands of people, some flying, some in support activities, some at home worrying and waiting.  Their service has spanned the globe as well as the years.  From the Aleutians and northern Japan operations of WWII, through Korea, Vietnam and Cold War missions, to the present in Afghanistan and Iraq, Whidbey patrol squadron personnel have been there, doing their part to preserve liberty for all.
THIS MEMORIAL IS DEDICATED TO ALL UNITED STATES NAVY PERSONNEL
WHO SERVED IN NAVY PATROL SQUADRONS BASED AT NAS WHIDBEY ISLAND
AND TO THE MANY WHIDBEY AIRMEN WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN VP OPERATIONS.
WE HONOR THEM ALL

NAS Whidbey Island Patrol Squadrons
1942 - 2004

VP-1 * VP-2 * VP-4 * VP-6 * VP-9 * VP-12 * VP-17 * VP-20 * VP-27 * VP-29 * VP-32 * VP-40 * VP-42 * VP-43 * VP-46 * VP-47 * VP-50 * VP-53
VP-57 * VP-61 * VP-62 * VP-69 * VP-107 * VP-120 * VP-122 * VP-130 * VP-131 * VP-135 * VP-772 * VP-812 * VP-931 * VPB-43 * VPB-53 * VPB-61
VPB-62 * VPB-91 * VPB-112 * VPB-115 * VPB-120 * VPB-122 * VPB-130 * VPB-131 * VPB-135 * VPB-136 * VPB-138 * VPB-139 * VPB-144
VPB-148 * VPB-199 * VPB-212 * VP-AM-1 * VP-AM-2 * VP-AM-5 * VP-ML-1 * VP-ML-2 * VP-ML-4 * VP-HL-7 * VP-HL-10 * VP-HL-12 * VAHM-10
Catalinas * Venturas * Mariners * Privateers * Neptunes * Marlins * Orions
From Doug:  I think that a worthwhile adjunct to the memorial would be an electronic scrapbook.  This would be a collection containing the names, home states, rank-rate-rating, dates served at Whidbey, images of family and Navy life, recollections and such other data as may be appropriate of those who served in the Whidbey based patrol squadrons.  The scrapbook would be available to the City of Oak Harbor, the Island County Library, the Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce, the NAS Whidbey historian and other appropriate entities for use as they see fit.  Please send whatever data that you have available and I will attempt to organize it so as to contribute positively to the overall benefit  of whomever chooses to visit the Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial.  Please send  the material to nvsoar@charter.net or to Doug Donohue at PO Box 2894, Gardnerville  NV  89410.  Your suggestions on how to enhance the idea are appreciated.  My best to all.  Doug   [nvsoar   21Jul2006]
The Whidbey Patrol Squadron Memorial is sponsored by the Patrol Squadron Two Association
Please send your suggestions/trouble reports on any WPSM page to nvsoar@charter.net