Re: KW research sources

[<geminiad@whidbey.com>]

Jhk789@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Thanks again for the interesting background info.
> 
> You must served in the Navy?  Yes.

> Being ignorant of the various terms used by the Navy,
> can you explain what VP stands for?

VP -Patrol Squadron (ie, mostly P2V Neptune and P5M Mariner seaplanes
were used during Korea.  One of the last squadrons to fly PB-1Ws also
flew
Taiwan Straits - East China Sea  patrols until retired.

 (Technically, "V" stands for heavier-than-air and  "P"  for Patrol.
Usually used
for sub-hunters, sea surveillance aircraft, etc. VPB = Patrol, Bomber -
designation used by WW II units flying PB4Y Liberators - bomber being
used for heavy, 4-engined types]. 
> 
> Do you have any idea why so many destroyers left
> San Diego on May 1 for Asia?

Not uncommon to deploy as full squadron or division in those days.
Not had chance to look up what destroyer squadron they replaced, but
usually there is no "gapping" in rotations, so that "92"  replaced
another
unit. "92" probably went PH - Guam  - PI, while replaced unit rotated
Japan-
PH - West Coast  May look into later but for now no particular
interest. Even during Vietnam days, destroyer divisions (4 ships)
normally rotated home with departing carrier, either leaving Subic Bay
or Yokosuka, Japan. ("Unofficial escort", but both due to rotate home). 

Gave you info because I thought it interesting that most of the ships of
"92" deployed from West Coast within two months of outbreak of war,
and being newly deployed, suppose that was primary reason for exercise
north of Luzon in last days of May 1950. If nothing else, get familiar
with
USSValley Forge operating routines, call signs, etc.  
> 
> So, after passing the Straits, did Valley Force head to the
 Korean water?  
As indicated -  July 1st departed Okinawa anchorage, for West Coast 
of Korea. 

How many attack airplanes were on Valley Force?  (later...)
> 
> As the war dragged on in Korea, I assume the number of
 ships increased in the Korean waters.
  
Yes, as we re-activated a great number of aircraft carriers, heavy
cruisers, and destroyers, plus an auxiliary fleet. Also, remember
four battleships were deployed, each serving in Korean waters. 

How many aircraft carriers were active in the Korean waters during the
War?
> 
Later.....(will give you sources on this unless others on KW-List
want it written out.  Obviously rather long answers required of both
above questions.

Keith Jacobs