Last modified Wed., March 14, 2007 - 07:36 PM
Originally created Thursday, March 15, 2007

VS-24 'Scouts' bid farewell

From VS-24

Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr A VS-24 S-3B Viking prepares to take off for its final flight at NAS Jacksonville Feb. 8. The squadron will be disestablished during a ceremony today.

The "Scouts" of VS-24 will hold a disestablishment ceremony at NAS Jacksonville March 22 in Hangar 116 ending 64 years of service as an Atlantic Fleet carrier-based squadron.

The squadron will be officially deactivated March 31. VS-24 Sailors have proudly served in Jacksonville for the past 34 years. The squadron was originally based at NAS Quonset Point, R.I. They relocated to NAS Cecil Field in 1973. When NAS Cecil Field was closed in 1997, VS-24 moved to NAS Jacksonville.

The squadrons last deployment ended in March 2006 after completing a highly successful cruise on board USS Theodore Roosevelt to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Scouts are celebrating 64 years of service with a week of festivities beginning with a picnic at the Sea King Park Monday at 11 a.m. This event is open to all former Scouts, supporters and their families. That evening a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament will be held at the NAS Jax Officers' Club at 7 p.m. Food, beverages and some friendly competition for a myriad of prizes will be available.

On Tuesday there will be a foosball tournament and a social get together at the T-bar at 4 p.m. The next day, VS-24 will hold its annual Scout Host Invitational Tournament of Golf at the Casa Linda Oaks Golf Club. The tournament starts at 10 a.m. and participants are still needed.

After the disestablishment ceremony March 22, a Scout Ball will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the NAS Jax Officers' Club. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information on these events, contact Lt. Louis Calisch at louis.calisch@navy.mil or 542-8688.