Last modified Wed., November 29, 2006 - 02:53 PM
Originally created Thursday, November 30, 2006

NAS JACKSONVILLE HERITAGE PARK: Displays offer lessons in history and tradition

By MC2(AW) Regina Brown, Special Contributor

The PBY Catalina was a seaplane based at NAS Jacksonville from 1941-46. Approximately 100 of these aircraft were assigned to the station during those years. It would take off and land on the St Johns River. Some of the seaplane ramps it used are still intact at the station today. This aircraft was used for antisubmarine patrol and would rescue downed pilots during World War II. This static aircraft was sent to the Brazilian Air Force during the 1950s and remained in Brazil until 1987. At that time three PBYs were obtained by the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Fla. This one was flown to NAS Jacksonville and was restored during a six-month project. It flew one last time over Jacksonville May 16, 1986 and was placed on static display shortly after that flight. This plane is a tribute to all who flew out of NAS Jacksonville in PBYs.

When entering the main gate at NAS Jacksonville, the large blue and gold Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet comes into view. The aircraft is just one of 12 on display for all to see at Heritage Park, a collection of naval aircraft at NAS Jax.

''Our original concept was for folks from around Jack-sonville to get close and see the displays. Now, security is much tighter and it's a shame that not as many people can see this park,'' said Ron Williamson, NAS Jax safety manager and unofficial base historian.

Since the arrival of the first aircraft for display at Heritage Park, the PBY Catalina, there have been an additional 11 aircraft added. Both the SH-3H Sea King and the P-3 Orion were dedicated to the park on June 15, 1990, followed by the P-2V Neptune in August 1993. The Neptune on display at the park was assigned to VP-5 at NAS Jax in the 1960's. It was donated to NAS Jax in 1992 from a private collector and restored shortly thereafter.

The F/A-18 Hornet on display was added Oct. 6, 1996 to celebrate the Blue Angels 50th anniversary. Lt. Cmdr. Butch Voris' name is painted under the canopy. Voris was the founder of the ''Blue Angels.''

The year 1998 brought in an additional three aircraft, the S-3 Viking, the TBM Avenger and the S-2F Tracker. All aircraft were flown either from NAS Jax or NAS Cecil Field.

The A-7 Corsair was added in 1999 with the A-4 Skyhawk and F-8 Crusader following in 2000. Retired Navy Cmdr. Bob Elich, flew the A-7B Corsair while serving during the Vietnam War. He and his family live in the local area and visit the park regularly. ''We come to the base every Sunday for church services and always make it a point to visit the park. It's beautiful,'' Elich stated.

The station obtained an N2S Stearman that has been on display since 2002. The Stearman was one of the first aircraft assigned to the station when formed in 1940. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

The latest addition was the N2S Stearman in 2002. It was one of the first aircraft assigned to NAS Jax.

Retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. Joseph Blandi-no was once stationed at NAS Jax. ''I used to train Sailors and Marines on the maintenance of some of the aircraft on display here. It's really great to see them so well taken care of,'' said Blandino.

Most of the aircraft are assigned to various commands around the base, which are responsible for the aircraft's upkeep.

''I wish we had room to put some more on display, we had to turn down a donation of a C-121 Constellation because it was just too big,'' statedd Williamson. ''At 116 feet with a 126-foot wingspan, the aircraft would have overwhelmed the park.''

However, Williamson is hoping to add the HUP-Retriever to the collection. The aircraft was designed for the Navy and flew its first flight in March 1948. The aircraft would need extensive work before being put on display.

Retired Navy Pilot Cmdr. Bob Elich and his wife, Peggy enjoy a day at Heritage Park with their great-grandson, Carson Craven. Elich, a Vietnam veteran, once flew for VA-146.

The A-7 Corsair was dedicated Feb. 26, 1999. It bears VA-46 markings, a squadron that operated out of NAS Cecil Field. The Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department officer at NAS Jacksonville at the time had previously been based with VA-46, and thus asked for permission to paint those markings on the aircraft. This aircraft was a static display for eight years at Jacksonville University (JU) prior to coming to NAS Jacksonville. Representatives from JU wanted to dispose of the aircraft to expand the campus for football. The A-7 flew of NAS Jacksonville with VA-203 in the 1970Õs. The A-7 was also reworked for almost 30 years at the Naval Air Depot Jax. VA-46 was the last squadron to fly the A-7 prior to their disestablishment June 30, 1991 at NAS Cecil Field. The A-7 Corsair saw combat in Operation Desert Storm where it participated in the first combat air strikes.