1

The Quarterly Newsletter of the Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens

Autumn 2018 Volume 6

In This Edition: - VP-8 LC-85 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony - 243rd Navy Birthday Celebration - Admiral Harry Rich Drive Dedication

2

From The President………………………………………………………….……….…..Page 3 List of Corporate Sponsors.………………………………………..…………………….Page 4 VP-8 LC-85 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony..……..………………………..….Page 6 243rd Navy Birthday Celebration….……….….……………………………………..…Page 12 Admiral Harry Rich Drive Dedication………………………………………………….Page 15 BNMMG Exhibit Update……………………………………………………………...…Page 16 Call For Volunteers……………………………………………………………………...Page 18 VP-23 “Seahawk Challenge” Update..………………………………………………...Page 19 Calendar of Events………………………………………………………………….…..Page 20 Become A Member……………………………………………………………………...Page 21 WHEELS UP “Hall of Fame” Roster……………………………………….……….….Page 22 “Wall Of Honor” Brick Campaign Order Form…………………………………………Page 26 Architect’s Rendition Of Future BNMMG……………………………………………..Page 27 Cover Image: Memorial wreath for the 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the eight men of VP-8 who perished in a peacetime mishap aboard a P-3B Orion over Poland Springs, Maine on September 22nd, 1978. We’d like to thank our good friends at Flowers, Etc. for preparing such a beautiful tribute wreath.

Photo Credit: Jeff Smat and the First Light Camera Club About “The Patroller”:

“The Patroller” was the name of the NAS Brunswick base newspaper, and in accordance with our mission to preserve the rich heritage of the former NAS Brunswick, we decided to name our quarterly newsletter eponymously to honor that publication. BNMMG has a library of past editions of “The Patroller” and will regularly feature them on our Facebook page and in this newsletter. Reader contributions to “The Patroller” are most welcome; please send your articles to info@brunswicknavalmuseum.org. Our mission: The Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens was founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. Our mission is to preserve the rich heritage of the 68 year history of Naval Air Station Brunswick, its squadrons, and the tens of thousands of Sailors, Marines, government civilians, and their families who were stationed at NAS Brunswick.

In This Edition

Brunswick Naval Museum & Memorial Gardens 179 Admiral Fitch Avenue Brunswick, ME 04011 www.brunswicknavalmuseum.org www.facebook.com/bnmmg

3

“Taking a fix.” Every aviator and mariner understands the fundamental importance of fixing your position periodically to ensure you are tracking toward your intended destination. This issue of “The Patroller” will be the final for 2018, and I’d like to take this opportunity to ‘take a fix’ and communicate our current position on our path toward becoming a first-rate museum. 2018 was a banner year for the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens in that we:

1. Welcomed 1,370 visitors – showing solid growth over our 2017 record of 1,000 visitors.

2. Hosted five major heritage events, including: the dedication of a Gold Star Families Memorial Marker; the 2nd Biennial NAS Brunswick Reunion; a 50th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for twenty-four men from two VP-26 aircrews who were lost during combat operations off Vietnam in 1968, a 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for the eight men from VP-8 who were lost when LC-85 exploded inflight over Poland Springs, Maine; and a 243rd Navy Birthday Celebration in conjunction with the Casco Bay Council of the Navy League.

3. Significantly expanded our exhibit space and infrastructure to display more artifacts.

4. Secured a long-term lease of our parking lot that will serve as a long-term revenue source for our operating fund.

5. Secured the annual support of ten corporate sponsors in the Mid-Coast Region.

6. Surpassed the $100,000 mark in pledges and donations for our “Wheels Up” Capital Campaign on our way to achieving our Phase 1 goal of $300,000.

We’ve enjoyed fantastic support from the U.S. Navy, Maine’s political leaders, local Veterans Service Organizations, and most importantly, supporters like you. We are planning to accelerate that growth in 2019, but we need your support to achieve it. Please become a member, or increase the value of your membership if you are already a member; purchase a brick in our Honor Wall for $150; and pledge a donation to our capital campaign or increase the value of your current pledge if you are already contributing. One other focus area for 2019 will be to expand our volunteer base to execute the vision that our financial resources will enable. We’re seeking volunteers to lead serve in our development, event planning, communications, and collections campaign. More details can be found on page 18. We hope that 2019 brings peace and prosperity for you, and we look forward to your continued support. KNHZ forever, Sean CAPT Sean Liedman, USN (Ret.) president@brunswicknavalmuseum.org

From the President

4

BNMMG would like to thank the following companies

for their generous contributions to our Corporate Sponsorship Campaign:

Platinum Sponsor ($5,000 or more)

- Gold Sponsor ($2,500)

Silver Sponsor ($1,000)

Corporate Sponsors

5

Silver Sponsor ($1,000)

Bronze Club ($500)

Corporate Sponsors

6

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens hosted a memorial ceremony on September 22, 2018 on the 40th anniversary of the loss of eight men from Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) when their P-3B “Orion”, side number LC-85, Bureau Number 152757, exploded in flight over Poland Springs, Maine. The memorial ceremony was organized by Captain Rusty Yeiser, USN (Ret.) and Commander Brian Gritte, USN (Ret.), who were both serving as junior officers in VP-8 on that fateful day in 1978. More than 80 people attended the memorial ceremony, including active duty men and women from the “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8 who flew to Brunswick Landing in a P-8A “Poseidon” maritime patrol aircraft from their current homeport at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Captain Yeiser and Commander Gritte shared Master of Ceremony duties, and Senior Chief Ed Rohr, USN (Ret.) – who was serving as a Flight Engineer in VP-8 at the time of the mishap – delivered the invocation. Captain Earl Riffle, USN (Ret.) then delivered his remarks and reflections as the Commanding Officer on the day of the mishap, followed by Rear Admiral Thomas F. Hall’s remarks from his perspective as the Executive Officer of the squadron. Finally, CDR Zach Stang – the current Commanding Officer of VP-8 – offered his remarks on how the Fighting Tigers continue to remember and honor those eight men as they carry on with the legacy of excellence that the squadron is known for. The ceremony concluded with CDR Rodney Erler – the current Executive Officer of VP-8 – reading the names of the eight fallen aviators while AWOCS Brian High rang a bell after the reading of each name, followed by the playing of “Taps”. The most special guests at the ceremony were Mrs. Liz Dupont and her children – the family of LCDR Francis William “Bill” Dupont, Junior, who was the aircraft commander on that tragic day. Following the ceremony, VP-8 hosted a static display of their P-8A “Poseidon” for ceremony attendees. After the static display, many of the attendees gathered for lunch at the iconic Cook’s Lobster House in Harpswell for an afternoon of remembrance and camaraderie over traditional Maine seafood fare.

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

This plaque in the Memorial Gardens ensures that these eight men from VP-8 will never be forgotten. Photo Credit: Sean Liedman

7

Captain Earl Riffle, USN (Ret.) speaking to the attendees at the VP-8 Memorial Ceremony. Captain Riffle was serving as the Commanding Officer on the day of the LC-85 mishap.

Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

Rear Admiral Thomas Hall, USN (Ret.) speaking at the memorial ceremony. RADM Hall was serving as the Executive Officer of VP-8 on the day of the LC-85 mishap.

Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

8

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

ADCS Ed Rohr, USN (Ret.) delivering the invocation. Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

RADM Harry Rich, USN (Ret.) – the 18th Commanding Officer of VP-8 - delivering his remarks. Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

9

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer Brian High, USN performed bell ringer duties. Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

Ceremony attendees; the family of LCDR Bill Dupont is seated in the front row. Photo Credit: Jeff Smat, First Light Camera Club

10

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens is grateful for the participation of the men and women from “The Fighting Tigers” of VP-8. Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens would like to thank CDR Brian Gritte USN (Ret.) (Left) and CAPT Rusty Yeiser, USN (Ret.) (Right) for organizing this memorial ceremony. Photo credit: MC1 Jerome Johnson, USN Photo Credit: MC1 Jerome D. Johnson, USN

11

“LET US NEVER FORGET”

===================================================================

LC-85 Crew of VP-8, Sept. 22, 1978:

Lt. Cmdr. Francis William Dupont Jr., USN

Lt. j.g. Donald Edward Merz, USNR

Lt. j.g. Ernest Arthur Smith, USNR

Lt. j.g. George David Nuttelman, USN

ADC Larry Raymond Miller, USN

AD3 Robert Lewis Phillips, JR. USN

AW3 James Allen Piepkorn, USN

AWAN Paul Gregory Schulz, USN

VP-8 40th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

VP-8 displays an Elevator Force Link Tab from LC-85 in its squadron spaces today to be ever mindful of the hazards of naval aviation and the sacrifices of those fallen aviators who have succumbed to them.

12

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens and the Casco Bay Council of the U.S. Navy League hosted a celebration of the 243rd Birthday of the U.S. Navy on Friday, October 12th. More than 85 people attended the event, which featured Rear Admiral Peter A. Garvin as the guest speaker. RDML Garvin currently serves as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group in Norfolk, Virginia and is a former commanding officer of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) when VP-8 was based at NAS Brunswick, Maine. Sarah’s Café of Wiscasset, Maine provided excellent meal and beverage catering for the event, and the Sea Cadets from the Coast Guard Group Portland provided color guard services. The evening include the traditional round of toasting and recognition of the Senior and Junior Sailors present along with a traditional cake cutting. Photos of the event follow.

243rd Navy Birthday Celebration

Rear Admiral Pete Garvin congratulates Fireman Apprentice Johnson from the crew of the Pre-Commissioning Unit MICHAEL MONSOOR (DDG-1001) on being the Junior Sailor present. Photo credit: First Light Camera Club

13

243rd Navy Birthday Celebration

Guests look on as the Sea Cadets from the Portland Coast Guard Division prepare to parade the colors. Photo credit: First Light Camera Club

The Sea Cadets from the Portland Coast Guard Division present the colors as Ms. Grace Liedman sings the nation anthem. Photo credit: First Light Camera Club

14

243rd Navy Birthday Celebration

Fireman Apprentice Johnson and CDR Bill Locke, USN (Ret.) perform the traditional Navy birthday cake cutting as the Junior and Senior Sailors present. Photo credit: First Light Camera Club

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens and Casco Bay Council of the U.S. Navy League would like to thank RDML Garvin and the crew of the USS MICHAEL MONSOOR (DDG-1000) for making this a special evening! Photo credit: First Light Camera Club

15

“Admiral Harry Rich Drive” was dedicated on Wednesday, 19 December at Brunswick Landing with guest of honor Rear Admiral Harry Rich, USN (Retired) and more than 40 other guests in attendance. Rear Admiral Rich was born in Searsport, Maine on January 2nd, 1926 and joined the Navy in 1943 only eight days after he graduated from high school. He was commissioned as an Ensign and designated a Naval Aviator in June, 1946. Rear Admiral Rich served four tours at NAS Brunswick: in VP-23, flying the P2V-7; as Chief Staff Officer at Fleet Air Wing THREE; as XO/CO of Naval Air Station Brunswick; and as Commander, Fleet Air Wings Atlantic. Rear Admiral Rich retired from the Navy in 1978 and settled in Harpswell, Maine where he remained active in the local community including service on multiple Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC) Task Forces and as a founding member of the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens, where he remains a Director Emeritus on the Board of Directors. Congratulations on this just recognition, Admiral!

Admiral Harry Rich Drive Dedication

The “Admiral Harry Rich Drive” dedication ceremony; attendees included RADM Harry Rich, USN (Ret.) (seated in foreground with baseball cap), Mr. John Briley, Executive Director BNMMG (standing to left of street sign) and Mr. Steve Levesque, Executive Director of the Mid-Coast Regional Redevelopment Authority (standing to right of street sign). Photo credit: John James

16

We have made significant progress in growing our exhibit collection thanks to the generous of our supporters and the hard work of our Collections Committee. Please come and visit to see them firsthand!

BNMMG Exhibit Update

BNMMG would like to thank RADM Tom Hall, USN (Ret.) for his generous donation of these priceless artifacts. Photo credit: Jeff Smat

A broader view of our growing exhibit collection. Photo credit: Jeff Smat

17

BNMMG Exhibit Update

This exhibit of various artifacts includes CAPT Bruce Darsey’s retirement gift. Photo credit: Jeff Smat

We are endeavoring to build Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School exhibits and are grateful for the technical assistance of Mr. Jeff Chatman to ensure historical accuracy. Photo credit: Jeff Smat

18

One of our key needs to achieve our growth strategy in 2019 and beyond is to build our base of volunteers to give us more organizational capacity. Here are some key committee functions where we need more volunteer capacity: Collections Committee: Receive, catalog, and prepare artifacts for exhibit. Construct story boards to offer historical context for artifacts. Development Committee: Solicit and sustain corporate sponsorships and capital campaign contributions from individuals and corporations alike. This function can be performed virtually. Events Committee: Coordinate support infrastructure requirements (chairs, tables, audio/visual, music, etc.) for museum-hosted events. Execute setup/breakdown of event support infrastructure. Information Technology Committee: Design and maintain museum IT infrastructure including our web site and Facebook page. If you are willing to volunteer your time and talent toward any of these committees, please send an e-mail to info@brunswicknavalmuseum.org.

Call For Volunteers

19

The Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens, in partnership with Captain and Mrs. F. Brown Word, USN (Retired), is pleased to announce the kickoff of our “Seahawk Challenge” to raise $50,000 in donations and pledges to the museum’s “Wheels Up” capital campaign. Captain & Mrs. Word recently pledged $10,000 to the museum’s capital campaign, and would like to call upon other former VP-23 “Seahawks” to pledge their support for the “Wheels Up” campaign with a goal of raising $50,000 to name the museum’s flight simulator room the “VP-23 Seahawks Flight Simulator Room.” The VP-23 “Seahawks” were based at NAS Brunswick, Maine from May of 1952 until the squadron was disestablished in February of 1995, and Captain Word was the Commanding Officer from 1989 to 1990. Capital campaign pledges may be made over a period of up to 5 years. In launching this challenge, Captain Word stated, “I have visited the Brunswick Naval Museum and Memorial Gardens and seen its potential to preserve the rich heritage of NAS Brunswick and the squadrons who were stationed there. VP-23 was based at NAS Brunswick for more than 40 years, and I call upon all former Seahawks to contribute to preserving the legacy and comaraderie of the Seahawks.”

VP-23 “Seahawk Challenge”

$10K

$20K

$30K

$40K

$50K

VP-23 Seahawk Challenge

e

20

2019 12 October: 244th Navy Birthday Celebration in conjunction with the Casco Bay

Navy League from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more exciting events in 2019 as we firm up our schedule!

Events Calendar

21

Become A Member

22

The following people and organizations are recognized for their generous contributions

to our “Wheels Up” Capital Campaign:

“Triton” Club ($10,000 or more) RADM & Mrs. Roy D. Snyder, Jr., USN (Retired)

CAPT & Mrs. F. Brown Word, USN (Retired)

“Poseidon” Club ($5,000 to $9,999) CAPT John Chapman, USN (Retired)

RADM and Mrs. Ken Deutsch, USN (Retired) CAPT John Evans, USN (Retired)

CDR William Locke, USN (Retired) CDR & Mrs. Charles A. Orem, USN (Retired)

Ms. Deborah Orrill AZ1(AW) and Mrs. Jeffery Smat, USN (Retired)

Mr. & Mrs. Rupert White

“Orion” Club ($3,000 to $4,999) COL William & Suzanne Bushnell, USMC (Retired)

Davis Family Foundation CAPT & Mrs. John James, USN (Retired)

CAPT & Mrs. Sean Liedman, USN (Retired) CAPT & Mrs. Mark Patrick, USN (Retired)

“Neptune” Club ($1,000 to $2,999)

Avery Family Gift Trust Mr. John Binder

Mr. Albert Boothby Mr. John Briley

“Wheels Up” Hall Of Fame

23

“Neptune” Club ($1,000 to $2,999)

CAPT Guy Edward Buck, USN (Retired)

Mr. David R. Carpenter Corporate Communications - Eversource

CDR & Mrs. Brian Daniels, USN (Retired) AW1 Marc Frattasio, USN (Retired)

CAPT Charles Gerhan, USN (Retired) CAPT Jim Heffernan, USN (Retired)

Mr. Donald Heichel CAPT Charles Mull, USN (Retired)

CAPT C. Carter Nute, USN (Retired) Mr. J. R. Phillips

Mr. Arthur Polstein RADM Harold Rich, USN (Retired)

CAPT & Mrs. Andrew F. Smith, USN Mrs. Ann Snyder

“Corsair” Club ($500 to $999)

Anonymous Donor Ms. Sharon Boucher

LTJG Clarence “Chris” Christie, USN (Ret.) Ms. Agnes Dailey Mr. Robert Duska

CAPT William Fitzgerald, USN (Retired) CAPT Russell Frederick, USN (Retired)

LCDR Joe Grace, USN (Retired) LT David Graham, USN (Retired)

Honorable Thomas F. Hall, USN (Retired)

“Wheels Up” Hall Of Fame

24

“Corsair” Club ($500 to $999)

Mr. Richard Jackson CDR Robert Kanewske, USN (Retired)

Mid-Coast Energy Systems MOAA Southern Maine Chapter

Dr. James Moshier CAPT Herman Nichols, USN (Retired)

CDR James Oikle, USN (Retired) AWCS (NAC) Read Rich, USN (Retired)

as of September 5, 2018

“Wheels Up” Hall Of Fame

25

We need your support to help us achieve our vision of becoming a first-rate museum. Please use the form below to document your pledge to our capital campaign.

See Our Future – Contribute Today!

179 Admiral Fitch Avenue, Brunswick, ME 04011

26

We have started a “Wall Of Honor” Brick Campaign as part of our WHEELS UP capital campaign. A personalized, engraved brick costs $150, and all proceeds will go toward our capital campaign. The Wall Of Honor will be built outside of our new front entrance after the first phase of our capital campaign renovation is complete. Purchase a brick today for a shipmate, friend, or loved one – they make a great holiday or birthday gift.

Buy A Brick For Our “Wall Of Honor”

27

See Our Future – Help Us Achieve It!