Sea Control Squadron 22 (VS-22) Checkmates was a carrier-based United States Navy squadron based out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. The squadron flew the Lockheed S-3B Viking and their mission was mining, undersea and surface warfare, electronic reconnaissance and analysis, over the horizon targeting, and aerial refueling. The squadron was last attached to Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17) and was the last squadron flying the Viking. VS-22 was disestablished in a ceremony at NAS Jacksonville on January 29, 2009, and officially on March 31, 2009.
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On the Bicentennial Cruise 6JAN76 thru 28JUL76, we stopped in the Principality of Monaco, to celebrate our Bicentennial, and the celebration of Monaco's independence from France. On July 4th, the ship joined the parade thru Monte Carlo. We had 50 sailors, one from each state, carry their respective state flag in the parade. I carried the PA flag. The Grand Marshals of the parade were Dionne Warwick, and Ringo Starr. They shook hands with all 50 flag carriers. Cool day!
Transferred to VS-22 3 months before transition to S-3A's. Trained in San Diego, worked in AIMD, shop 690. Made Bi-Centennial Cruise and following cruise, July 11, 1977 - December 23, 1977. Harpo Marks was my go to guy in Pers. He worked magic to get me the assignment to AIMD North Island. What a guy!
Transferred to Airantisubron 22 (VS22) at Quonset Point Rhode Island in 1969. Deployed on the USS Wasp CVS 18. Numerous North Atlantic cruises
AE-2 with VS-22 until 1971
Luther Schriefer's retirement from the Navy Rear Admiral Schriefer was one of my C.O.'s at VS-22.
I was in VS-22 from June 1976 to March 1979. I worked in the Personnel Office, and, since my last name is Marks, everyone called me "Harpo". I worked with PNC Jack Kane, PN2 Chuck Black, PN2 Tom Caldie, PN2 Randy Jones. I made two Med cruises with VS-22 onboard the USS Saratoga. Cmdr. Bowers was the C.O. when I arrived. I served under skipper, Luther Schreiffer and I believe the last C.O. I had was named Love. I was buddies with AO3 Greg Kachel, AO2 Doug Ferguson, AT2 Pete Baksis, AZ3 David Arvin, MS3 John Hebert, AT3 Billy Thibodeau.......hell, I was a PN, the whole squadron were my buddies. Miss all the old Checkmates. Great memories.
Joined VS-22 from 1979 to 80 made last Med cruise in 1980. Aviation Ordnance man division.Great times!!