Transfer to MCAF Newport: Page 1

On August 3, 1944 VMB-613 and VMB-614 moved to MCAF Newport. This facility had been a USAAF basic training airfield, and was acquired by the Marine Corps when the Army closed it down. Under the operational control of Marine Air Group 34 (MAG-34), VMB-613 was the first to arrive and found the facility to their liking. Housing accommodations both in town and on the base were adequate for married officers and enlisted personnel, and the town of Newport was not crowded with military personnel. Additionally, the people of Newport were very hospitable towards Marines. With excellent railroad facilities and the close proximity to the cities of Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, and Saint Louis, Missouri, liberty proved to be excellent.

While at MCAF Newport, flight training continued along the same lines as Cherry Point with the main emphasis on pilots qualifying for instrument ratings. All pilots were checked and issued their red or white cards. Further training included map reading, survival intelligence, war background studies, geography of the Pacific, radar, swimming, ground defense, ditching procedures, sanitation, first aid, military sketching, enemy naval and merchant ships, and aircraft recognition. While this training was in progress, the squadron finally received its full complement of navigators, five officers and twenty-two enlisted men. Unfortunately, most of these men had very little flying experience. In addition to the navigators, personnel joining the squadron during August included First Lieutenant James R. Edmunds, USMCR, of Baltimore, Maryland and First Lieutenant Jack A. Gant, USMCR, of Port Aransas, Texas who were assigned as maintenance and ground defense officer, and assistant communications officer, respectively.

In September, the squadron’s PBJ-1Hs began to arrive at MCAF Newport from their last modifications at Cherry Point. Although these aircraft were completely equipped with all the necessary gear, a last minute change was made at Newport by removing the AN/APG-13 radar gun director and replacing it with the modified AN/APG-13A. Added to the squadron's roster in September was Second Lieutenant Donald C. McCune, USMCR, of Warren, Ohio as the assistant intelligence officer. By early October, VMB-613 had received all of its remaining aircraft and personnel, including Second Lieutenant Thomas A. Moorhead, USMCR, of Atchison, Kansas who was assigned as the squadron radar officer. Also joining the squadron was First Lieutenant Van B. Nixon, USMCR, of Fredonia, New York who was assigned as engineering officer. His assignment to this billet necessitated First Lieutenant Larini being reassigned as assistant engineering officer. Rumors again began to circulate that the squadron would be deploying to the Pacific within a short period of time. Again, these rumors proved to be true when the squadron received orders to proceed overseas in the latter part of October. In preparation for deployment all flying ceased on October 14, 1944, all pay accounts were settled, insurance, wills, and allotment documents were prepared, and excess gear was turned-in to the Group Quartermaster or Navy Supply.

Army Airfield at Newport Now Used by Marines

ARMY AIRFIELD AT NEWPORT NOW USED BY MARINES

Article: United Press (Courtesy of Debbie Kane)

Present Arms

PRESENT ARMS: Squadron members present arms as the national colors are raised.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Forming Up

FORMING UP: Squadron officers march into place for inspection by the Commanding Officer.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Prepared for Inspection

PREPARED FOR INSPECTION: Lieutenant Colonel George W. Nevils returns a salute as he is informed that the squadron is formed and ready for inspection.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Squadron Officers

SQUADRON OFFICERS: Squadron officers standing tall in in their khaki uniforms ready for inspection by Lieutenant Colonel Nevils.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Pass in Review

PASS IN REVIEW: Following the inspection, a group of squadron members passes the Commanding Officer in review.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy)

Modifications Completed

MODIFICATIONS COMPLETED: A PBJ-1H of VMB-613 at Marine Corps Air Field Newport, Arkansas in late October 1944 following the completion of all modifications. The AN/APS-3 search radar, housed within the radome on the aircraft's starboard wingtip, is clearly visible. In addition to the search radar, these aircraft were heavily modified with additional communications, navigation and radar equipment, including the new AN/APG-13A radar gun director.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of William A. Kehr)

Training Hop

TRAINING HOP: A PBJ-1H of VMB-613 departs the Marine Corps Air Field at Newport, Arkansas on a training hop. The large aircraft numbers on the vertical stabilizer were only used while the squadron was stateside. Once overseas, these numbers were painted over with a dark-colored rectangle, and smaller numbers, ranging from 1 to 15, were stenciled in their place.

Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Charles F. Knapp)

MCAF Newport

MCAF NEWPORT: Taken from one of VMB-613's aircraft, this photograph of Marine Corps Air Field Newport is the only photograph of the airfield known to exist. Following World War Two this facility was deactivated and the land deeded to the City of Newport.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Charles F. Knapp)

Remmel Park

REMMEL PARK: First Lieutenant Francis S. Manning, Sergeant David Snider, and an unidentified VMB-613 member enjoy an outing at Remmel Park in Newport along with their wives.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

Bar-B-Q Inn

BAR-B-Q INN: On liberty, squadron members could eat at the Bar-B-Q Inn in Newport. As evidenced by the above menu, prices in 1944 were considerably less than today with a T-Bone Steak dinner costing 90 cents.

Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe)

Ordnance Marines

ORDNANCE MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Staff Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek, and Staff Sergeant Robert W. Shock. Back Row (L-R) Private First Class Joseph Choma, Private First Class Martin M. Prock, Unidentified, Sergeant Conas S. Roberts, and Staff Sergeant Fred Spoon.

Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek)

Mechanic-Aircrewmen

MECHANIC AIRCREWMEN: Staff Sergeant Richard S. Riggle, Private First Class Theodore E. Adkins, and Corporal Frank Haddix (L-R) all served as Mechanic-Turret Gunners with VMB-613. These Marines are seen in a photograph that was taken at MCAF Newport, Arkansas shortly before the squadron departed for the Central Pacific in late 1944.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Kim Haddix)

Ordnance Marines

ORDNANCE MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Sergeant Michael Jacus Jr., Corporal Odis M. Henderson, and Corporal George A. Worley, Middle Row (L-R) Corporal Lawrence E. McCurry, and Corporal Joseph E. Koyan. Back Row (L-R) Private First Class Murray A. McCollum, Private First Class William R. Whitefleet, Corporal Anthony J. Zeider Jr., Private First Class Howard E. Morehouse Jr., and Private First Class Arthur P. Hinterburg.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Michael Jakus Jr.)

Engineering Marines

ENGINEERING MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Sergeant Carmine G. Nasta, Sergeant Joseph J. Stevens, Corporal Andrew Stephen, Corporal Walter E. Mathesen, Sergeant Teddy E. Murzyn, and Sergeant Donald S. Jacobson. Middle Row (L-R) Private First Class Joseph H. Abraham, Corporal William E. Chastain, Staff Sergeant Robert H. Chrisman, Sergeant James A. Serenta, Corporal Leonard Delvecchio Jr., and Private First Class Henry O. Shaneyfelt. Back Row (L-R) Corporal Walter Gravello, Corporal Marvin J. Vogel, Sergeant Robert G. Chapman, Sergeant Eugene N. Hansen, Corporal Ralph F. McClain, Private First Class Louis E. Best, and Private First Class Frank J. Vanek.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Debbie Kane)

Medical

MEDICAL: Front Row (L-R) Pharmacist Mate Third Class Aubrey A. Willson, Pharmacist Mate Second Class Arthur F. Parker, and Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald B. Silk. Back Row (L-R) Hospital Apprentice First Class Willis A. Roose, Pharmacist Mate Third Class George S. Prankard, Lieutenant Commander James C. Scott, Pharmacist Mate Third Class Andrew E. Szilagyi, and Pharmacist Mate First Class Howard F. Treadway.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

Ordnance

ORDNANCE: Front Row (L-R) Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Andrew J. Wester, Unidentified, First Lieutenant James L.V. Newman, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek, and Staff Sergeant William T. Hungerford, Unidentified. Middle Row (L-R) Corporal George A. Worley, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Fred Spoon, Corporal Herbert E. Schwartz, Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Frank J. Lukasek, Master Technical Sergeant Lloyd M. Staggs, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, and Unidentified. Back Row (L-R) Technical Sergeant Robert J. Lochner, Corporal Carl G. Voss Jr., Technical Sergeant Oscar L. Robinson, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, and Unidentified.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

Aerial Photographers

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Seen here at Newport, Sergeant Harold F. Riehle and Sergeant David Snider (L-R) both served aerial photographers for VMB-613. Note the interesting design painted on the nose-wheel cover of the PBJ-1H.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

Frederick C. Darlington

FREDERICK C. DARLINGTON: Corporal Frederick C. Darlington served a a photographer for VMB-613. He was detached from the squadron in September of 1944 and reassigned to VMB-463.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

Line Chief

LINE CHIEF: Seen here at MCAF Newport, Master Technical Sergeant George M. Comer served as VMB-613 Leading Chief. Master Technical Sergeant Comer was reassigned to VMF-441 in February of 1945.

Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers)

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP OF PAGE NEXT PAGE

	SITE MAP


	TRANSFER TO MCAF NEWPORT: PAGE 1 On August 3, 1944 VMB-613 and VMB-614 moved to MCAF Newport. This facility had been a USAAF basic training airfield, and was acquired by the Marine Corps when the Army closed it down. Under the operational control of Marine Air Group 34 (MAG-34), VMB-613 was the first to arrive and found the facility to their liking. Housing accommodations both in town and on the base were adequate for married officers and enlisted personnel, and the town of Newport was not crowded with military personnel. Additionally, the people of Newport were very hospitable towards Marines. With excellent railroad facilities and the close proximity to the cities of Little Rock, Arkansas, Memphis, Tennessee, and Saint Louis, Missouri, liberty proved to be excellent. While at MCAF Newport, flight training continued along the same lines as Cherry Point with the main emphasis on pilots qualifying for instrument ratings. All pilots were checked and issued their red or white cards. Further training included map reading, survival intelligence, war background studies, geography of the Pacific, radar, swimming, ground defense, ditching procedures, sanitation, first aid, military sketching, enemy naval and merchant ships, and aircraft recognition. While this training was in progress, the squadron finally received its full complement of navigators, five officers and twenty-two enlisted men. Unfortunately, most of these men had very little flying experience. In addition to the navigators, personnel joining the squadron during August included First Lieutenant James R. Edmunds, USMCR, of Baltimore, Maryland and First Lieutenant Jack A. Gant, USMCR, of Port Aransas, Texas who were assigned as maintenance and ground defense officer, and assistant communications officer, respectively. In September, the squadron’s PBJ-1Hs began to arrive at MCAF Newport from their last modifications at Cherry Point. Although these aircraft were completely equipped with all the necessary gear, a last minute change was made at Newport by removing the AN/APG-13 radar gun director and replacing it with the modified AN/APG-13A. Added to the squadron's roster in September was Second Lieutenant Donald C. McCune, USMCR, of Warren, Ohio as the assistant intelligence officer. By early October, VMB-613 had received all of its remaining aircraft and personnel, including Second Lieutenant Thomas A. Moorhead, USMCR, of Atchison, Kansas who was assigned as the squadron radar officer. Also joining the squadron was First Lieutenant Van B. Nixon, USMCR, of Fredonia, New York who was assigned as engineering officer. His assignment to this billet necessitated First Lieutenant Larini being reassigned as assistant engineering officer. Rumors again began to circulate that the squadron would be deploying to the Pacific within a short period of time. Again, these rumors proved to be true when the squadron received orders to proceed overseas in the latter part of October. In preparation for deployment all flying ceased on October 14, 1944, all pay accounts were settled, insurance, wills, and allotment documents were prepared, and excess gear was turned-in to the Group Quartermaster or Navy Supply. ARMY AIRFIELD AT NEWPORT NOW USED BY MARINES Article: United Press (Courtesy of Debbie Kane) PRESENT ARMS: Squadron members present arms as the national colors are raised. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy) FORMING UP: Squadron officers march into place for inspection by the Commanding Officer. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy) PREPARED FOR INSPECTION: Lieutenant Colonel George W. Nevils returns a salute as he is informed that the squadron is formed and ready for inspection. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy) SQUADRON OFFICERS: Squadron officers standing tall in in their khaki uniforms ready for inspection by Lieutenant Colonel Nevils. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy) PASS IN REVIEW: Following the inspection, a group of squadron members passes the Commanding Officer in review. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, Arthur H. Navarre Collection (Courtesy of Diane Hindy) MODIFICATIONS COMPLETED: A PBJ-1H of VMB-613 at Marine Corps Air Field Newport, Arkansas in late October 1944 following the completion of all modifications. The AN/APS-3 search radar, housed within the radome on the aircraft's starboard wingtip, is clearly visible. In addition to the search radar, these aircraft were heavily modified with additional communications, navigation and radar equipment, including the new AN/APG-13A radar gun director. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of William A. Kehr) TRAINING HOP: A PBJ-1H of VMB-613 departs the Marine Corps Air Field at Newport, Arkansas on a training hop. The large aircraft numbers on the vertical stabilizer were only used while the squadron was stateside. Once overseas, these numbers were painted over with a dark-colored rectangle, and smaller numbers, ranging from 1 to 15, were stenciled in their place. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Charles F. Knapp) MCAF NEWPORT: Taken from one of VMB-613's aircraft, this photograph of Marine Corps Air Field Newport is the only photograph of the airfield known to exist. Following World War Two this facility was deactivated and the land deeded to the City of Newport. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Charles F. Knapp) REMMEL PARK: First Lieutenant Francis S. Manning, Sergeant David Snider, and an unidentified VMB-613 member enjoy an outing at Remmel Park in Newport along with their wives. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) BAR-B-Q INN: On liberty, squadron members could eat at the Bar-B-Q Inn in Newport. As evidenced by the above menu, prices in 1944 were considerably less than today with a T-Bone Steak dinner costing 90 cents. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Allen R. Protheroe) ORDNANCE MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Staff Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek, and Staff Sergeant Robert W. Shock. Back Row (L-R) Private First Class Joseph Choma, Private First Class Martin M. Prock, Unidentified, Sergeant Conas S. Roberts, and Staff Sergeant Fred Spoon. Photograph: Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen (Courtesy of Paul J. Yanacek) MECHANIC AIRCREWMEN: Staff Sergeant Richard S. Riggle, Private First Class Theodore E. Adkins, and Corporal Frank Haddix (L-R) all served as Mechanic-Turret Gunners with VMB-613. These Marines are seen in a photograph that was taken at MCAF Newport, Arkansas shortly before the squadron departed for the Central Pacific in late 1944. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Kim Haddix) ORDNANCE MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Sergeant Michael Jacus Jr., Corporal Odis M. Henderson, and Corporal George A. Worley, Middle Row (L-R) Corporal Lawrence E. McCurry, and Corporal Joseph E. Koyan. Back Row (L-R) Private First Class Murray A. McCollum, Private First Class William R. Whitefleet, Corporal Anthony J. Zeider Jr., Private First Class Howard E. Morehouse Jr., and Private First Class Arthur P. Hinterburg. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Michael Jakus Jr.) ENGINEERING MARINES: Front Row (L-R) Sergeant Carmine G. Nasta, Sergeant Joseph J. Stevens, Corporal Andrew Stephen, Corporal Walter E. Mathesen, Sergeant Teddy E. Murzyn, and Sergeant Donald S. Jacobson. Middle Row (L-R) Private First Class Joseph H. Abraham, Corporal William E. Chastain, Staff Sergeant Robert H. Chrisman, Sergeant James A. Serenta, Corporal Leonard Delvecchio Jr., and Private First Class Henry O. Shaneyfelt. Back Row (L-R) Corporal Walter Gravello, Corporal Marvin J. Vogel, Sergeant Robert G. Chapman, Sergeant Eugene N. Hansen, Corporal Ralph F. McClain, Private First Class Louis E. Best, and Private First Class Frank J. Vanek. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps (Courtesy of Debbie Kane) MEDICAL: Front Row (L-R) Pharmacist Mate Third Class Aubrey A. Willson, Pharmacist Mate Second Class Arthur F. Parker, and Pharmacist Mate Second Class Donald B. Silk. Back Row (L-R) Hospital Apprentice First Class Willis A. Roose, Pharmacist Mate Third Class George S. Prankard, Lieutenant Commander James C. Scott, Pharmacist Mate Third Class Andrew E. Szilagyi, and Pharmacist Mate First Class Howard F. Treadway. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) ORDNANCE: Front Row (L-R) Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Andrew J. Wester, Unidentified, First Lieutenant James L.V. Newman, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Paul J. Yanacek, and Staff Sergeant William T. Hungerford, Unidentified. Middle Row (L-R) Corporal George A. Worley, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Fred Spoon, Corporal Herbert E. Schwartz, Unidentified, Unidentified, Staff Sergeant Frank J. Lukasek, Master Technical Sergeant Lloyd M. Staggs, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, and Unidentified. Back Row (L-R) Technical Sergeant Robert J. Lochner, Corporal Carl G. Voss Jr., Technical Sergeant Oscar L. Robinson, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, Unidentified, and Unidentified. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Seen here at Newport, Sergeant Harold F. Riehle and Sergeant David Snider (L-R) both served aerial photographers for VMB-613. Note the interesting design painted on the nose-wheel cover of the PBJ-1H. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) FREDERICK C. DARLINGTON: Corporal Frederick C. Darlington served a a photographer for VMB-613. He was detached from the squadron in September of 1944 and reassigned to VMB-463. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) LINE CHIEF: Seen here at MCAF Newport, Master Technical Sergeant George M. Comer served as VMB-613 Leading Chief. Master Technical Sergeant Comer was reassigned to VMF-441 in February of 1945. Photograph: U.S. Marine Corps, David Snider Collection (Courtesy of the Manning Brothers) PREVIOUS PAGE TOP OF PAGE NEXT PAGE

Copyright © 2008 Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen Association. All Rights Reserved.