The White Falcon - 27.05.1977, Side 1

Volume XXXIII Number 21
Keflavik. Iceland
May 27. 1977
VP-24 begins Keflavik deployment
by Ltjg G.M. Black
Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR assumed
the duties of Patrol Squadron Keflavik
Wednesday, and will remain in Iceland
until relieved by Patrol Squadron SIX-
TEEN in November.
VP-24*s last deployment was to
Sigonella, Sicily, from January to June
1976. Previously, VP-24 spent two win-
ter deployments in Keflavik.
Since returning from Sigonella, the
"Batmen" have been vigorously preparing
for the Iceland deployment.
The result of VP-24*s intensive
training programs has been the designa-
tion of 11 of the 12 aircrews as "Char-
lie One" (C-l). This readiness status
indicates maximum proficiency in all
phases of the P-3C "Orion" mission.
The "Batmen" of VP-24 are indeed
appreciate of the warm reception accord-
ed them by Naval Station personnel, and
look forward to an enjoyable and suc-
cessful summer deployment.
Heading Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR
is Commander Lynn H. Grafel.
Born in McCook, NE, Cdr. Grafel at-
tended Kansas State University, Manhat-
tan, KS, graduated in 1959 with a bach-
elor of science degree in agriculture
education.
Cdr. Lynn H. Grafel
The commander was commissioned an en-
sign in the Naval Reserve through the
Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program
at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL in
March 1960.
Upon being designated a naval avia-
tor, he reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR,
homeported at Naha, Okinawa where he
served until August 1963.
He then reported to Patrol Squadron
THIRTY-ONE as an instructor and anti-
submarine warfare flight training offi-
cer until March 1966.
His next assignment was as flag lieu-
tenant and aide for Commander Patrol
Wings U. S. Pacific Fleet until May 1968.
While stationed with Patrol Squadron
NINE at Naval Air Station Moffett Field,
CA, he flew the P-38 aircraft, making
several deployments on his tour there.
In August 1970, Cdr. Grafel began
studying at the Naval Command and Staff
Course at the Naval War College, Newport,
RI, where he graduated in June 1971.
Additionally, he was graduated from
George Washington University with a
master of science in international af-
fairs .
His next tour was with the Staff,
Commander Patrol Wing ELEVEN where he
was antisubmarine warfare officer and
then training officer until June 1975.
After training at Patrol Squadron
THIRTY, Cdr. Grafel reported as exe-
cutive officer, Patrol Squadron TWENTY-
FOUR in November 1975, and in December
1976 became commanding officer.
Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR was com-
missioned April 10, 1943, at the Naval
Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, HI.
The squadron was originally designa-
ted Bombing Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOUR,
but was redesignated Heavy Patrol Squad-
ron FOUR in November 1946.
In August 1948, it assumed its pre-
sent name of Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR.
The squadron established an enviable
record in the Pacific during World War
II. It was credited with sinking 110
Japanese ships, damaging 152, destroying
32 enemy planes and "probably" destroy-
ing 36 others during an eight-month
deployment.
Recognizing its raids at Guadalcanal,
Munda and the Philippines, the squadron
received two Presidential Unit Citations.
Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR is the only
patrol squadron in the history of naval
aviation to be awarded this highly
coveted award twice.
VP-24 has also received the Meritori-
ous Unit Citation for special anti-sub-
marine warfare projects, the Navy Unit
Citation, the Captain Arnold J. Isbell
Trophy and the Battle Efficiency Award.
The squadron recently was bestowed
the Commander Naval Air Atlantic Safety
Citation and the Chief of Naval Opera-
tions Maintenance Award.
VP-45 returns to Jacksonville
Elderly woman rescued by Det. 14
AFR 716 air refueled with HC-130 (AFR
by Ltjg A1 Harms
The Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE
"Pelicans" have flown back to sunny
Jacksonville, FL, ending not only a
successful operational deployment but a
warm relationship with Naval Station
Keflavik.
The Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR
"Batmen" relieved VP-45 yesterday.
VP-45's deployment began during
wintry days after Christmas, and has
since worked in perfect harmony with the
Naval Station.
Commander S. F. Loftus, VP-45 com-
manding officer, stated "We came to
Keflavik with the goal of intergrating
as closely as we could into station ac-
tivities. We wanted to get involved
with the Naval Station, and I believe
that the primary reason that our de-
ployment was an outstanding success was
because we were able to work so closely
with our station counterparts."
Indeed, VP-45 became immediately in-
volved with the station by launching a
specially prepared P-3 on a medical e-
vacuation flight of an infant to
Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.
In addition to flying duties, VP-45
supported other base activities.
The squadron provided tours and air-
craft static displays for interested
station groups and the community.
Early in the deployment, VP-45
briefed the commandant and other
visitors from the Norwegian Defense
College.
VP-45 flew a mail drop to Jan Mayen
Island accompanied by Oli Tynes, a
Reykjavik newspaper reporter. Oli
Tynes helped to promote an accurate pic-
ture of the job done by the deployed
patrol squadron.
Individual Pelicans also became in-
volved with the station. Petty Officer
Harold C. MacCollum volunteered his
services to the Los Angeles Community
College Overseas, as an aviation air
frames and power plants instructor, a
three credit hour course offered to
both VP-45 and Air Force personnel.
Also, Petty Officers Walt Misora and
Wayne Vanassche spent many off duty
hours rebuilding bicycles for distrib-
tion to Icelandic institutions. Dis-
carded bicycles and parts were collected
by VP-45 wives in Jacksonville, brought
to Iceland and repaired by Wayne and
Walt. Wayne Vanassche said, "We hope,
that by our efforts, the bicycles will
bring much happiness."
The Pelicans naturally got involved
in station sports. They sponsored
teams in basketball, racquetball,
volleyball, wrestling and softball.
VP-45 was able to win the base basket-
ball tournament and take second place
in the base wrestling tourney.
A seriously ill 77 year old woman,
who was bleeding internally, was mede-
vaced by Detachment 14 Air Force Rescue
716 last week from Hvallatur to Stykkis-
holmur, Iceland.
The HC-130 acted as the on the scene
commander along with the HH-3E. HC-130
relayed information to the "Jolly Green
Giant" (AFR 716) concerning route as
well as obstacles and distance to the
island.
People on the island prepared a field,
and outlined it with orange fishing
floats.
The island, which is located about 40
miles from Reykjavik, is about 300 yards
long and 100 yards wide.
The immediate point was determined to
be a farm house and barn plus two
fields.
Two rescue specialists were accompan-
ied by the flight surgeon to the farm
house where they examined the patient.
The patient was offloaded subsequent-
ly-
Afterwards, the flight home was de-
layed by a precautionary landing be-
cause of the main gear box caution
light. The flight then continued to
Keflavik after the problem was fixed.
Car Wash reflects
pride in one’s work
"Workin' at the car wash" can be your
seasonal song at the Recreation Depart-
ment Car Wash.
This facility can help you tidy up
that flivver to take your wife or your
girlfriend out.
Located in the first green building
directly behind the Public Works Depart-
ment, the Car Wash is open 5 to 10 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday.
A wash costs only 50 cents while a
wash and wax will run just a $1.50.
The Car Wash, which is contained in-
doors, offers hot and cold water, a
vacuum cleaner plus a drain in the cen-
ter of the complex for excess water
runoff.
For that unique individual touch,
patrons may bring their own towels,
soap and buckets.
Now that you've got a clean break,
you can take a shine to this wholesome
facility.
820), onloading 1,000 pounds of JP-4
fuel. The air refueling was conducted
at 1,000 feet because of a low ceiling.
The HH-3E crew included Major Ken
Key, aircraft commander; First Lieuten-
ant John Watts, copilot; and, Technical
Sergeant Ken Jones, flight mechanic.
The rescue team was comprised of
Airman First Class Bert Eymberts and
Sergeant Greg Frandsen, rescue special-
ists; Major Charles Girard, flight
surgeon accompanied them.
57th awards medals
Three 57th Fighter Interceptor Squad-
ron personnel received the Air Force
Commendation Medal recently. In addi-
tion, one Air Force captain was awarded
the Meritorious Service Medal.
They are as follows respectively:
Air Force Commendation medal, Captain
James E. Slusar; Technical Sergeant
Ronald C. Bramblett; and, Senior Airman
Phillana E. Tuff.
Captain David C. Ladd received the
Meritorious Service Medal.
CHAPLAIN (Col.) Richard A. Trapp of the
Aerospace Defense Command staff greets
CW04 W. F. Hiller during a recent visit.