Enterprise (CVN 65) - Naval Cruise Book

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LT Billington AMH1 Chavez AE2 Brodcway AMS2 Sleimr % VRC-50 AD2 Meskimen AT3 Busalacchi AME3 Hamilton AMS3 Howell AME3 Mikolatczak ADAN Murphy AEAN Wagner AMS3 Reilly TECHIR Bornschien AZAN Henry AMSAN Little AMSAN Storro VRC-SO 1 459

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VRC-50 Fleet Tactical Support Squadron FIFTY (VRC-50) was commissioned 1 October 1966 at Naval Air Station, Atsugi, lapan. Prior to commissioning, VRC-50 was an Atsugi based VR-21 detachment. The newly formed squadron initially operated the C-1A Trader aircraft for Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD). The introduction of the C-2A Greyhound, 6 December 1966, marked the beginning of the new squadron ' s totally new capability for providing COD service to the Fleet. The C-2A has a cabin capacity of 10,000 pounds and cruises at 240 knots for a distance of over 1,000 miles. The 10,000-pound cabin load may consist of passengers (26 maximum), mail, or cargo, or any combination of the three. Seven months later, on 11 |uly 1967, the CT-39E Sabreliners (light transport jet) arrived and a new phase of operations commenced. The CT-39E aircraft cruises at 450 knots, at a maximum altitude of 45,000 feet, which provides rapid, fatigue-free transportation between WESTPAC military and civilian airports. During VRC-50 ' s first year of operation as a squadron, its personnel flew 10,374 hours while transporting 8,646 passengers, 357 tons of mail, and 753 tons of cargo. In the years that followed, VRC-50 continued to grow in si e and importance as an integral part of the SEVENTH Fleet. In September 1968, a permanent VRC-50 detachment was established at Naval Air Station, Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines. VRC-50 then operated 10 C-2A ' s in direct support of SEVENTH Fleet carriers operating in the Tonkin Gulf, Philippines Sea, and South China Sea. In recognition of VRC-50 ' s efforts and tontributions in the Far East, the squadron was awarded the National Defense Transportation Award in 1968. 458 I VRC-50

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PSALM 23 The Lord is my constant companion There is no need that He cannot fulfill Whether His course for me points to the mountaintops of glorious ectasy or to the valleys of human suffering. He is by my side. He is ever present with me. He is close beside me hen I tread the dark streets of danger and even when I flirt with death itself ' He will not leave me. When the pain is severe. He is near to comfort. When the burden is heavy. He is there to lean upon. When depression darkens my soul. He touches me with eternal joy. When I feel empty and alone. He fills the aching vacuum with His power My security is in his promise to be near to me always, and in the knowledge that He will never let me go. RMC Urry Max POPE. USN (COM DEFT) 21 Augus, 1984