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 VP-40

       VP-40 was the squadron designation of the contingent of P-5M patrol seaplanes stationed at Sangley Point during the late 50's and early 60's. Seaplane operations were fun to watch. From their spray-filled, jet assisted take-offs to their graceful "landings" they were always under the watchful eye of the orange and white high-power "crash-boats." As kids, we would go down to the seawall behind the Station Theater and watch as the planes were launched and recovered. Since the tall, three-deck P-5Ms had no landing gear, swimmers would have to attach wheels to the aircraft before they were towed ashore, and would have to detach them when they were launched.
 
 
 
 

Check out these related sites:
http://home.earthlink.net/~patron40/

http://www.naswi.navy.mil/vp-40/base.html
 
 

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