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Paul Newman | profile | all galleries >> US Navy Fleet Logistic Support Squadrons >> VR 21 PINEAPPLE AIRLINES tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

VR 1 STARLIFTERS | VR 3 | VR 6 | VR 7 | VR 8 | VR 21 PINEAPPLE AIRLINES | VR 22 MED RIDERS | VR 24 LIFTING EAGLES | VR 30 PROVIDERS | VR 46 PEACH AIRLINES | VR 48 SKYLINERS | VR 51 FLAMIN' HOOKERS | VR 52 TASKMASTERS | VR 53 CAPITAL EXPRESS | VR 54 REVELERS | VR 55 BICENTENNIAL MINUTEMEN | VR 56 GLOBEMASTERS | VR 57 CONQUISTADORS | VR 58 SUNSEEKERS | VR 59 LONESTAR EXPRESS | VR 60 VOLUNTEER EXPRESS | VR 61 ISLANDERS | VR 62 MOTOWNERS / NOR' EASTERS / NOMAD | VR 64 CONDORS | VIP FLIGHTS | NAS Air Terminal Pacific Fleet

VR 21 PINEAPPLE AIRLINES

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Frank E DeMaria 11-Oct-2025 07:10
Frank DeMaria stationed at Barbers Point. Crew member and load master on c-118s
Don Alvarez 04-Sep-2025 18:35
VR-21 Barbers Point 1965 - 1968. Came from AEWBARONPAC Midway Island. Assigned to Check Crew, then Airframes Shop. Don Alvarez, LT (LDO) USN Retired
Don Alvarez 04-Sep-2025 18:28
VR-21 Check crew, then Airframes 1965-1968. Was an AMH-1 at the time. Retired in 1981 as an LDO Lt.
Dale Knuth 02-Aug-2025 14:52
I started on the line, then Calendar inspection and finally night shift spervisor maintenance. I was at VR-21 from 70 to 74. I also wanted to mention I took personal leave to go on a West Pac. I traveled with Masatugi Imai a flight crew member. I came in a AMH ariman and left a AMH2. Will never forget the experience.
Guest 25-Jul-2025 11:52
VR21,1960-1964 ADM SHARP,JR. ANY ATN'CREW MEMBERS PLEASE EMAIL ME AT:DAVEGOWAN1@GMAIL.COM THANKS
Howard Petty Jr 21-Feb-2025 17:21
Hi, I'm the son of CMDR Howard Petty. He was in VR-21, and he flew off the USS Oriskany. Did any of you know him?
Guest 09-Sep-2024 23:47
Tom Findley
VR2-21 form 1969-1972 Flight Comm Operatir East and West Pac. I wast AT-3. Flew with Bob Thoarn and wwll as many others
Roy Kerr 07-Mar-2024 04:06
I was at VR21 from Dec 1953-MAR 1955 as an AT striker. Started flying 1954-1955. All of our R6D's were brand new from the factory at that time. I cannot remember how many exactly we had but the number 16 rings a bell. In 1954 our total fleet averaged over 8 flying hours per aircraft per day for the whole year. Douglas was astounded at our record. It was very proud squadron in those days. I left the NAVY in 1970 as an ATC. Great people to serve with.
DAVE GOWAN 10-Nov-2023 17:50
VR-21.1960-1964 RADIOMAN ON N28424,ADM U.S.GRANT JR,AL DALTON,CHIEF DAVE GOWAN
Marvin (John) Johnson 27-May-2021 01:41
I was attached to VR 21 from 11-61 to 1-65. AE1 (AC) retired AEC (AC). Very many and most pleasant journeys all over West Pac and 3 trips to Hayes Aircaft to pick and deliver for overhaul.
Guest 21-Feb-2021 22:38
@Tom Moran
My father, "Hep" Heppler flew CINPAC R6D's 1957->1960. He passed Jan 2016 but fondly remembered 2 world circling trips with an Admiral.
nelson Gosman 14-Dec-2018 11:24
Looking for people who I serves with on east packs and west packs on VR-21 out of Barbers Pt Hi from 70-71. Also looking for way to get history and hats with our squadron on them.
Guest 28-Jul-2018 19:29
Wayne Sebastian
I was at barbers point 56/57 worked in flight planning in the tower building
William Willis 04-Jul-2018 17:57
Hi all fellow squadron Mates, I'm "Willis" we uses last names. my first name is William. I was in VR-21 BP from 1964-1966 and was a Aircrew. when in BP I was assigned to Airframes and for a while I was working out of Aviators Equipment. if any of you remember me or perhaps have crew orders with my name on them Please let me know. All my personal records were destroyed in a flood and most of my records official records are not readable (Good old mimeographed records faded I guess).
stan Gray 28-Jun-2018 17:38
VR-21 71-74 Barbers Point
Anyone know how to contact Joe Laws or Ron Slosarski?
Ned Causin 02-Oct-2017 03:08
I was with VR 21 Det. Alameda 72 to 74. I have been trying to find a squadron cap for some time now with no success. I did find VR 21 on Facebook but no mention as to where to find the ball cap. Anyone know where to get the cap.
ronald L. Shaffer 26-Jun-2017 20:28
I had a good friend who was attached to VR-21 from about 1960 to 1963 as an air crew member. Does anyone remember Jeff or know who he was? I was attached to VU-1 at the same time
Guest 25-Jun-2017 19:24
bruce webb i was in vr21 from 1957-1960 on plane crew of plane 131600 adr1 hosea denley was crew chief
Herbert Williams 11-Jun-2017 19:25
Herbert Williams I was in VR 21 from 1967/69 worked in airframes
I only remember a few shipmates there Rucker,James Wells,James Davis(flight crew).
Transferred to a VA Squadron Lemoore
Naval Air Station
Frank Augustine 06-May-2017 16:40
Hey Anyone, Frank Augustine (known as "AUGIE"); Served VR-21 early 62" through 64'; Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd; Assigned to Aero Equip Section; Flight Crew as Loadmaster on C-118/R6D's. You name it, South/North Pacific, Probably been there. Looking to hear from former mate's. After this served at North Island, Coronado/San Diego; T-28 Line Plane Captain. Retired now, living in SC.
HarryMarkham 02-May-2017 14:14
Was stationed at Barbers Point with the detachment from VR-1 in 1966.
HarryMarkham 02-May-2017 14:13
Harry Markham
Thom Ford 09-Jan-2017 21:47
For Tracker Dalton - retired in South Carolina. Where are you?
H. Steve Phipps 16-Dec-2016 02:20
I am looking for anyone that can verify that I was stationed at Barbers Point and flew out of Cubi Point, PI to Vietnam. We were called The Pineapple Airlines. I was AT3 Harold Stephen Phipps (Steve)at that time. I need help proving I was in Nam and subjected to Agent Orange. I have Parkinson's Disease and no family history of it. I know it is linked to Agent Orange. If anyone can help me, please contact me. I am in a wheelchair now and need to get my 100% disability. I cannot do it without the proof.
Ross page 06-Dec-2016 00:46
Was stationed at Barbers Point from 1965 to 1968. Was a fueler defueler for C118's and C130's.
Bill Nimmo 30-Nov-2016 03:58
Bill Nimmo was radio operator on c118s from 1966 thru 69
Warren E. Gagner Jr. 05-Nov-2016 03:12
My Father was VR-21, Warren E. Gagner. Do any of you remember him?
john toevs 24-Oct-2016 10:53
this id john toevs... I served with vr-21 from 1970 to 1972... I worked in supply but also worked on the line servicing c-118s later they brought in the c-130s... if anyone remembers me, I would love yo hear from you... great experience for me...
skip angus 23-Sep-2016 02:04
Looking for dave loper
skip angus 23-Sep-2016 01:59
Looking for any infomaton on dave
Loper i lived off base with him and debbie
Richard Rehmert 09-Sep-2016 20:54
Richard Rehmert
Was a friend of John Chisum
Jef Curtis 21-Aug-2016 00:56
Old Guy. VR-21 1961 to 1963. 3600+ hrs in R6Ds (C-118). I remember that Pineapple Airlines Patch.
Guest 14-Aug-2016 21:30
Larry Kimball AT1 1965 to 1968 flew as Radio Operator on C-118's
skip angus 05-Jul-2016 03:43
Hi dave loper this is skip angus, are you going to re union sept 26 till sept29
Guest 18-Jun-2016 08:40
TC Findley
VR-21 Radio Operator from late 69 to Aug 72
AT-3
Guest 28-Apr-2016 15:14
Thom Ford, where the hell are ya.
Larry Dalton
Navigator, C118/C130, VR21, 1973/1977
mike maxwell 29-Jan-2016 21:27
Any1 knew my Dad LCMDR Les Maxwell, VR-21 at Barbers from 66-70 & lived at Capehart Housing - Dad never told me about his flights to Nam but would bring back C-rats for my Boy Scout campouts!Sum of his buddies flew the SNJ/Zeroes in 'Tora Tora' is VR-21/Barbers still considered 'Pineapple Airlines?' Dad passed away year ago/Jan-'15. Mom prob knows you if you knew Dad! Any1 also know David Vahsen, Roy Andone from Capehart?
James vos 05-Jul-2015 21:37
VE 21 barbers point Hi. I was in service 1959. 1960 aviation electritian
Please contact. Jim at vosmary@ hotmail.com
James vos 05-Jul-2015 21:32
James Vos in vr21 Hawaii 1959 1960 I was an aviation electritian
Garry G. Garretson 26-Jun-2015 07:45
I was with VR-21 from 4/67-10/69 as a Radioman. Flew mostly C-118 but went on several deployments on C-130. Taught radio school at NAS Barbers Point. Was NATOP evaluator. Lived in Navy housing in Ewa Beach. Owned a 1963 Falcon convertible, blue.
cynthia davila 06-May-2015 17:25
Hello my name is cynthia davila and I was wondering if anyone knew a sailor by the name of robert f
Patterson who was in squadron vr-21 in cubi point around 1966-67 & he was good friends with another sailor that went by the name of john gould. Please if any information contact me
David L. Crabb AT(N)-2 VR-21 14-Apr-2015 17:46
Dave again. I worked in the Radio Shop at San Diego detachment with my older brother Chief L.E. Crabb. We helped move the squadron to NAS Alameda, around 1960. Our flight duties were orderlies and weight & balance supvsr on R4Y's Bur.Nbr.s 141000,141004,141007 and 141010 hauling whatever came aboard. I also did the radio equipment on our TF-1's and swapped out bad avionics that came in on BP TransPac's. (Rumor had it that the BP radio group would slip on a radio that they couldn't fix and have the pilot write it up when the got in to NAS SD.:)
David L. Crabb 12-Apr-2015 11:42
Hi turtles' This is Dave Crabb. Served as AT-2 with VR-21 Det in San Diego and Alameda from
1958 to 1962. Good times hauling red label and air crew around the Western states. Looking for a hat with VR-21 on it and found this site.
Thom Ford 11-Jan-2015 22:31
I was a navigator in VR-21 from 1973-1976. Mostly coal haulers with Bob Halcomb and Sam koffler, but also C-130s with Lou Sanders and sometimes in 424 with Dancing Bear - Carl Wuest. This site takes me back.
Tom Moran 01-Jan-2015 01:21
Hello guys .... with all respect, you're a bunch of "boots". I was in VR 21 from 1955-58 -- was an AT ... flew as Radio operator on all the regular routes. BBP to Kwajalein, Guam, Sangley Point Philippines, Atsugi,Midway etc -- and to San Diego, Alameda,Whidby Island (WA) -- then to Kodiak, Elmendorf or way out to Adak. I had the good fortune to graduate to be first radio on R6D-1Z (VIP configuration) used by four star admiral CINCPAC (from Pearl Harbor).

At the time VR-21 had three VIP planes ( two R6Ds S128424 and 128427 and one R5D 90391). I imagine all three were converted to beer cans long ago.
David Hinchy 06-Nov-2014 00:21
Guys, I was radioman with Al Lee on 149793 (C-130F). Was in VR-21 from May of 67 to May of 69. Flew the coal haulers too. When the 130s detached to Atsugi, I became part of crew on VIP 128432 with ATC John Ridings. Gary Ollison, your name is familiar as is Ted Kral's. AT2 Joe Cury and I were roomies. I had a 67 Cougar XR7 when I arrived and a 68 340S Fastback Barracuda when I left. Remember ATC Johnny Patterson, Div Chief for "X" division. CDR Schloer was Division Officer as I recall. Lots of Commanders in VR-21
Dave Clausen 30-Sep-2014 22:23
Hey Dave Loper, this is Dave Clausen. NATOPS evaluator. late 69 - early 72.
Rick Bremer ABH1 USN Ret. 24-Sep-2014 20:17
Looking for anyone who was at VR-21 72 to 74.
Looking for a mike West, Charlie farley or any of the C-130 crew on 787 or 805.
I took several flights with the C-130 crew to cubi, guam and Osan AFB Korea
I was stationed at the air terminal next door to the Vr-21 Hanger.
Yosan and I did your weight and balance for the C-118s
dave gowan 25-Jul-2014 23:24
VR21 1960-1964.VIP N28424 CHIEF DALTON AND I SERVED A NUMBER OF ADMIRALS.OF COURSE FLEW THE COAL HAULERS LEADING UP TO BE SELECTED AS AIR CREW FOR ADMIRAL SHARPE,JR.Rosie ( Ed Rosenberger is gone now) Would like to hook up with Rodney Stephens,North Carolina rebel.(He married a Yankee!).
Ted Kral 09-Jul-2014 03:42
I was a Flight Communications Operator on the C-118's in VR-21 from 1967 thru 1970. I am in contact with only one other (Jeff Hoezee )from our squadron during that period.
John Chisum 27-Apr-2014 16:17
My name is John Chisum I served 1959-1961 and was there when Hawaii became a state and changed all the American Flags on all our aircraft.
Woody 29-Jan-2014 07:04
When is the next squadron reunion? I was stationed with there at Barbers Point, Hawaii in 1967-1968. Worked Airframe Shop and Check Crew. Received order to Operation Deep Freeze Squadron VXE-6, and flew as crew member on LC-130F Hercules. Retired in 1988 from VAW-88 NAS Miramar,Ca
AMHC(NAC/ASW) George Philip Wood Jr.
Woody 29-Jan-2014 06:58
When is the next reunion for the squadron? I was stationed there at Barbers Point, Hawaii in 1967-1968. Worked out of the Airframe Shop and Check Crew. Received order to Operation Deep Freeze VXE-6, and flew as crewmember on the LC-130F Hercs. Retired in 1988 from VAW-88 NAS Miramar
AMHC(NAC/AWS) George Philip Wood Jr.
Frank Baker 26-Jun-2013 23:18
I was also VR-21 in BPt and Atsugi. Would like to hear from members in between 65 and 69.
Email fabaker1@ aol.com
gary ollison 24-Apr-2013 01:56
guest
I was a DIRTY 30 from 68 to 69. I was not a part of the vrc-50 group that was sent to cubi. Went back to Barbers point to finish my time with the 118's. Discharged December 1969.
Guest 18-Apr-2013 20:17
Dave go to the VR 21 Face book page and you will find info on the ball caps and patches, better yet become a member.
David Loper 18-Jan-2013 16:50
My name is Dave Loper I served 1970-73 as a flight comm operator in vr-21, Please I'm looking for the Pineapple Airlines Patch, and or hat or a photo to regenerate like image I flew west and east pacs on birds 609, as well as others, my rating was AT-3
David Loper 18-Jan-2013 16:49
My name is Dave Loper I served 1970-73 as a flight comm operator in vr-21, Please I'm looking for the Pineapple Airlines Patch, and or hat or a photo to regenerate like image I flew west and east pacs on birds 609, as well as others, my rating was AT-3
Richard Dixon 12-Nov-2010 02:51
I thought we had a membership listing
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