Photos at VW-1's Home Base, NAS Agana, Guam page 1

Task Force 77 patch with refrence to VW-1 det "A".

VW-1 squadron patch worn by Donald Lanoue.

Patch for crew one during the February 1956 deployment Crew Itchi Ban depicting a red devil dancing with a Japanese lady. VW-1's radio call sign prior "RAINPROOF" was "RED DEVIL". Apparently crew one flew TE-5 (BuNo 128323) on this deployment.

This patch probably illustrates Don Lanoue as pictured by the rest of his CIC crew.

All 4 photos courtesy of Lt(jg) Donald A. Lanoue VW-1 56-58 TE-8.

This patch was developed to recall that VW-1 provided an aircraft to monitor the refueling of an Air Force aircraft (either a F94 or F101) which was flying from Yokota Japan to CONUS. This Air Force aircraft was crossing the pacific solo.

A patch used by the CIC (Combat Information Center) crew to show the state of mind of some CIC crewmen during an air intercept operation.

Spider was Don Lanoue's nickname during his younger years. Don stated, "Actually I was called that at two different times in my life. As a high school junior I wrestled in the 119 pound class. At about 5'10" you can see why the 'spider'. On active duty at 6'3" + and about 140 pounds you can also see why 'spider'".

Patch given to Lt(jg) Don Lanoue during his last deployment in the squadron by the members of his CIC crew. The CIC crew members shown on the patch are Burnside: Pyle: Taylor: Speas: Helms: and Snider. An enlarged view of the patch shows how the crew viewed Don's reserve status in the Navy.
NOTE: Background colors were added by the site manager to accentuate the letters on the patch.

4 Photos courtesy of Lt(jg) Donald A. Lanoue VW-1 56-58 TE-8.

1st picture on left is of a 1948 VP-51 Squadron Patch. When VPW-1 was decommissioned it was reformed as VP-51. See link at DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS for more information.

Navy Unit Commendation awarded to members of VW-1 during time specified. Photo courtesy of Craig Holt '67 -'68 TE-4, 5.

This is Crew One's patch ['63] that was designed as a "respectable" protest. The first letter in each of the words Guam Air National Guard spells GANG. All the other crews were frequently deploying during a several month period in '63, except Crew One. For whatever reason, the Captain wanted to stay on Guam. We flew very little -- mostly to get everyone the minimum flight hours required for earning flight pay [four hours/month]. What little we did fly was to ensure aircraft air worthiness -- structural, electronic, electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, ... and general crew training. Some crew members managed to "bum" rides with other crews in order to get off "the rock". So, we humorously nicknamed ourselves the "Guam Air National Guard". To fight boredom, enlisted crew members decided to "spruce up" the aircraft. We painted the wheel hubs silver, hubcaps red, scrubbed the inside and outside, replaced the rubber floor mat running the entire length of the interior, painted parts of the interior, etc. Someone even hand-painted, with an artist brush, all the control handles and knobs in the cockpit. At least this silly project kept us occupied, out of trouble, and from being assigned less personally enjoyable busy-work. It actually boosted crew morale! A visiting admiral toured the aircraft with our skipper and told him "this is the cleanest aircraft I have ever seen in my career". I wonder, politically speaking, if the skipper told him all our planes were maintained in this pristine condition. Photo Courtesy Roger Atchley 62 - 64 TE-1.

VW-1 squadron patch from George Keeton's flight suit

Shoulder patch worn by crew members who flew into a typhoon of 100knts or greater at a low level. Photo courtesy of Craig Borsheim 69-71.

This is a picture of an unofficial certificate that was given to VW-1 flight crew members who flew in typhoons of 100 knots or greater. Photo courtesy of Craig Holt '67 -'68 TE-4, 5.

The Crew 5 patch design was a compilation of several. I forget who put it together finally, perhaps Donnie Evans AC1. The final arbiter was Lcdr Jack Reavis. We made it in late 63 and had individual ones made with each members name on it. Made in Atsugi, of course. Each time a man was assigned to the crew, on the next trip to Atsugi, I'd get 3 for him. the shop outside the gate kept several on hand with the name blank. After we made ours, the other crews started to do theirs, as I'm sure you remember. Ace of spades for crew 1, I can't remember many others, but they were in one of the cruise books... I think. Photo and comment Courtesy George Dean 63-66 TE-5; and 70-72.

"Hard Core" Humor -- The spirit of the Detachment Charlie "ground pounders" is reflected on this Det. patch. it was also on a sign which dominated the center of the work area inside the unit's headquarters building at Det "C" Intent and "philosophy" of the unit is self-evident. ILLEGITIMI TATUM NON CARBORUNDUM Translates as "Don't let the bastards grind you down." Click here to see full news article. Photos and comment, courtesy of Craig Borsheim 69-71 det_c_patch

Aircrewmen Certficate to George D. Keeton 08/09/1965.

Pagsanjan Falls Tourist Association certificate. This is not USN for sure, but will surely bring back memories of this trip. I am sure there are more than a few stories that can be recalled.

Survival School Certificate

Weather Reconnaissance Flight; Operational Excellence.. Letter that was placed in the service jacket of George D. Keeton. dated 10 November 1965.

Copy provided by Dave Keeton ATW2 VW-1 1965-1966.

VW-1 Patches and Awards page 1