A recent reunion of the former members of Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 69 was more than just an enjoyable experience — it was a milestone, considering the year 2011 also marked the Centennial of Naval Aviation, said retired AOCS Ed Hammond, who chaired the event.
The reunion on October 14 and 15 took place at the Best Western Harbor Plaza and CPO club in Oak Harbor. Captain Paul Kuntz, former commanding officer of Reserve Patrol Squadron 69, and a more than 30 year veteran with Boeing, gave the history and time line of the building of the Boeing P8-A Poseidon.
On Saturday evening, at least 139 guests and former squadron members enjoyed dinner and a power point presentation by Mike LaVelle, a director of the Seattle Museum of Flight, said Hammond.
LaVelle, an aviation historian, author, and Royal Aeronautical Society Fellow, addresses many universities, museums, and industry interest groups.
“Mr. Lavelle made the subject of his presentation the Cal Rodgers first transcontinental flight from New York to Pasadena, Calif., in 1911. The epochal flight was undertaken in quest of a $50,000 grand prize offered by William Randolph Hearst for the first person to complete the flight within 30 days,” said Hammond.
The group also greeted special guest, retired Navy Cmdr. Harry Ferrier, a survivor of World War II’s Battle of Midway. Ferrier presented LaVelle an autographed copy of Robert Mrazek’s book “A Dawn Like Thunder.”
“It was all enjoyable, and educational as well,” said Hammond.
“So many of our members from VP-69 found that being back in Oak Harbor was like returning home, that the majority voted to return to Whidbey Island for our next reunion in 2013,” he said.
