Stan Stokes presented us a great pictorial and historical exposition on the aircraft used by US Presidents from FDR to G.W. Bush. Stan obviously takes all of his work very seriously. His presentation delighted everyone at the meeting. Our OP-O, Andy Gilcrest, deserves a strong round of applause for his hard work and dedication to bringing us excellent speakers and wonderful tours. Thanks Andy! By the way, if you have not yet signed up for the Ronald Reagan Library tour please do so at the September meeting. It is your opportunity to enjoy Ronald Reagan's life and Presidency. Please come on the tour and honor the President who made us proud, once again, to be Americans. Also, you will see Stan Stokes original works of art and Ronald Reagan's Air Force One on display. Be sure to bring your checkbook. Andy accepts only checks for this tour. The bus is filling up, so hurry and sign-up.

My tour as your CO is winding down. I have appointed, in accordance with the GPS bylaws a nominating committee consisting of three former GPS COs. The appointees are Marv Garrison, Denny Bowen, and Dick Martin. The committee will submit recommendations of all officer nominees to the GPS staff at the regular September staff meeting for approval. The nominees shall be presented to the Squadron members at the September luncheon/general meeting. The nominees names will be published in the October OP-Plan and the members will vote on the nominations at the October luncheon/general meeting. This is the usual way. If any problems arise, this process could slip by one month. Now to the important part of the process! Any members interested in serving as an officer of the squadron please contact a nominating committee member, me or Mel Locke and offer to serve. I know it is easy to sit back and let the other guy do it. Well, that is not good enough! This squadron is fast running out of men and women willing to serve. This squadron needs your help. This Squadron does not operate without a lot of people volunteering. Believe me, the work is not hard to do. It is easy. The work is not time consuming, a few hours once a month for most jobs. Now that you have read this plea for help, do not sit down and let the other guy do it. Pick up the phone and call one of us, we are listed in the OP-Plan and the Logbook. My phone number is (714) 991-9249.

Thanks to Stan Stokes, after his talk, we got 15 more sign-ups for the field trip to the Ronald Reagan Library. When showing the one tenth scale of the 120 foot long mural of all the Presidential Aircraft that he did for the Reagan Library, he mentioned that the current Air Force One is over 20 feet long on the mural. This will be an awesome mural to see. With those 15 additional sign-ups, we now have enough to ensure that the trip is A GO! It is set up for Wednesday, October 26. We will leave the Garden Grove Elks Lodge at 0900 and be in the Library by 1030. We will depart the Library at 1600 and proceed to the noted hilltop Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills for dinner and then return to the Elks Lodge by 2000. Trip cost is $75 and includes bus fare, dinner, and library entrance fees. Lunch in the library café is on your own. We can accommodate more people. I think wives and friends would enjoy this trip and if necessary we could charter two busses if the trip proves to be real popular. I would appreciate receiving the fees (checks only please) by the September meeting as I will not be present for the October meeting. Thus, if you will not be present for the September meeting, please mail your check (made out to GPS) to me at 2 Lyra, Irvine, CA 92603. My phone number is 949-854-6617.
If you are interested in viewing all of Stan Stokes commercially available art, go to www.stokescollection.com/.

Our October speaker is Commander Frank J. Michael III, USN, Commanding Officer, HSL 47. His talk will be on the Tsunami Recovery Efforts following the recent Indonesian tidal wave. HSL-47 fly the SH-60B Seahawk which is a multi-mission, ship-based naval helicopter designed to extend the sensor range of frigates for anti-submarine warfare, as well as performing anti-surface vessel surveillance and targeting. It has proven itself as a powerful multi-sensor asset in numerous theaters, notably in the Persian Gulf. And once it identifies the enemy, it's ready to fight. The SH-60B can carry up to three torpedoes, and has acquired Penguin and Hellfire missile capability.

HSL-47 was part of the USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group this spring which was assigned to the U.S. Relief Effort. Unfortunately, I missed the tsunami relief effort presentation at the ANA Convention in San Diego but our members who were there said it was terrific. Andy, GPS OPS

Guest Speaker - Stan Stokes, Aviation Artist

By Dr. Dick Fields, Public Affairs Officer

FINE ART

The Grampaw Pettibone Squadron was honored to have renowned aviation artist Stan Stokes as its guest speaker in August. What would one expect an artist to speak about --- brushes, colors or what? Well, what we really got was an amazing lesson in aviation history.

Stan is a third generation Southern Californian who started painting after high school and has been at it for 37 years as a full time profession. His parents urged him to get a "real job" but his love of airplanes and painting fortunately prevailed. He acquired a Citabria and became a proficient pilot and started painting aircraft subjects. His next plan was to join the Navy and fly Crusaders. This plan went awry upon the discovery of a case of tuberculosis that disqualified him.

His career as an artist found recognition when his first aircraft painting took second prize at Oshkosh. In 1981 he met collector and restorer Bob Pond and was the manager of the paint scheme on one of Pond's aircraft, an Avenger. Since then he has done projects for the Smithsonian and NASA. His most recent projects have been about the presidential aircraft through history. He became involved with the Reagan Library planners 2 years ago and managed to advise them concerning plans for the artwork there. At his own expense, he created a 7 X 16 foot painting instead of a long mural. He currently advises them on matters of authenticity and a 12 X 120 mural, a print of which we were shown, that depicts the entire history of the presidential aircraft fleet.
His presidential career really took off when the Navy Postgraduate School selected one of his works, a 4 X 6 foot painting, for the George Herbert Walker Bush (41) library. When he showed up for a signing of prints of this picture he was surprised by having President Bush himself there for the signing.

His recent presidential work reveals incredible detail in the history of presidential aircraft. The history began with FDR in the early 1940's when it was necessary for FDR to travel to Casablanca, a 17,000 mile trip. The aircraft chosen was a Boeing 314 Pan AM Clipper, "Dixie". FDR celebrated his 61st birthday on board during the flight. During this period, a C-87, the passenger version of the B-24, was acquired, but the Secret Service had little faith in the aircraft and would not let FDR fly in it. It was therefore relegated to being Eleanor's airplane. In 1945, a C-54, the "Sacred Cow" became the presidential aircraft. It was fitted with an elevator to lift FDR's wheelchair into the plane without special ramps and equipment. After only two months of service, FDR died and the C-54 became Truman's airplane. It should be noted that the U.S. Air Force came into existence when Truman signed the order in flight in that airplane.

President Eisenhower had his well known Constellations, Columbine I and II, but after his heart attack, when he was recovering in Maryland, a short range aircraft was needed to take him to DC. An Aero Commander was considered, but was rejected by the Secret Service until a demonstration flight from Wichita to DC with one propeller stowed in the cabin as proof of single engine airworthiness.

The current Air Force One paint scheme was designed by artist Raymond Lowe at the request of JFK to give an added air of elegance. Jackie had the inside lavishly decorated. The call sign, "Air Force One" was created after a call sign conflict with the former call sign, "Air Force 610" and has remained ever since. Clinton flew on a C-17 to Bosnia named, "Spirit Of Bob Hope," of course with the call sign "Air Force One".

We thank Stan for his excellent presentation. He currently resides in the Palm Springs area. His works can be seen at wttp://www.StokesCollection.com.

NAVAL WEAPON STATION SEAL BEACH SAILORS HONORED

At the August 11th luncheon GPS was honored to recognize two Naval Weapon Station Seal Beach sailors for the outstanding performance that resulted in their selection as Sailors of the Quarter for 2nd quarter 2005. The Senior Sailor of the Quarter was Master at Arms First Class Darrell E. May United States Navy from the Weapons Station Security Department, and the Junior Sailor of the Quarter was Fire Controlman Second Class George H. Best III, United States Navy from the Security Department at the Weapon Stations Fallbrook Detachment. GPS Skipper Jim Menees presented the awards, as ANA Trustee and former GPS CO Bob Olds narrated the event and summarized their achievements. Each received GPS's congratulations, a GPS certificate of recognition, and a monetary gift (for the senior SOQ a $100 check from GPS, and for the junior SOQ a $50 GPS check and $50 gift certificate to the Crab Cooker restaurant - donated by restaurant owner and GPS member Jim Wasco).

Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Seal Beach, California
The Commanding Officer takes pleasure in presenting a Letter of Commendation to Master at Arms First Class Darrell E. May United States Navy for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:
For superior performance of duty while serving as a Watch Commander, and selection as Sailor of the Quarter, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Seal Beach, California from March 2005 to June 2005. Petty Officer May's willingness to take on all tasks have made him shine in all levels of command. His untiring community service efforts have helped to build a strong bond between the Navy and the local community. He has received numerous accolades from outside organizations for his outstanding efforts. Petty Officer May is extremely motivated and dedicated to his patrol section and the Security department. Acting not only as Watch Commander but as Field Training Officer for his section he flawlessly developed a rigorous Force Protection/Law Enforcement training program that enhanced his section's readiness to handle any call for service in a safe and efficient manner. Furthermore, he dedicated countless hours of additional training to his subordinates ensuring they were properly trained on the Navy's Sea Warriors and Five Vector Model programs. Petty Officer May's professionalism and devotion to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. I take pleasure in commending you for a job "Well Done." R.W. FOWLER, CAPT, USN, Commanding Officer

Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Seal Beach, California
The Commanding Officer takes pleasure in presenting a Letter of Commendation to Fire Controlman Second Class George H. Best III, United States Navy for service as set forth in the following:

CITATION:
For outstanding performance of duty while serving as Patrol Supervisor, Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Detachment Fallbrook, Fallbrook, California from April to June 2005. Petty Officer Best performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner leading to his selection as Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Junior Sailor of the Quarter, Second Quarter, 2005. As Patrolman Supervisor, he was responsible for nine security personnel and conducted 65 force protection drill scenarios encompassing more than 130 man-hours of Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection training. His superb work ethic resulted in confiscation of 56 identification cards and issued 145 traffic citations. Additionally, he volunteered his off duty hours to participate in Operation Safe Crossing ensuring the safety of military personnel crossing the Tijuana border. Petty Officer Best's professionalism and devotion to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. I take pleasure in commending you for a job "Well Done." R. W. FOWLER, CAPT, USN, Commanding Officer

GRAMPS SAYS:
CONGRATULATIONS

GIVE US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

Don't forget that you can get an electronic version of the Op-Plan at www.gpsana.org, usually before you receive it in the mail. We are now taking most of the printed version of the Op-Plan and displaying it electronically. Soon we will have the Op-Plan in pdf format so that you can print it from your home computer. The site will be updated by the 25th of each month. If you wish to be notified electronically when it is updated with new information, please contact Tim Brown at timb53@hotmail.com who will then notify you when the Op-Plan is updated. Tim Brown Assistant Membership Officer, Recruiting

TILT-ROTOR SHEDS TROUBLED PAST
Osprey could be ready to deploy by 2007

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C.
Navy Times 1 Aug 05

Five years ago, the MV-22 Osprey didn't seem to have a prayer.

Two crashes in 2000 killed 23 Marines and, many thought, any chances the revolutionary hybrid aircraft had of making it to the Marine Corps operating forces.. convincing the public to support the multibillion-dollar tilt-rotor that takes off like a helicopter and flies like an airplane appeared unlikely.

A records falsification scandal early the following year, in which program officials were cited for manipulating maintenance data, didn't do the embattled program any favors. The Osprey stopped flying, the training squadron was drawn down and the program all but stopped breathing. Somehow, though, the Osprey survived.
On July 13, Navy and Marine Corps aviation officials formally announced that the Osprey was back on track after successful completion of its operational evaluation.

"It passed everything with flying colors," said Lt. Gen. Michael Hough, deputy commandant for aviation, who was on hand for the day's events. Redesigned during a 17-month grounding following the crashes, with new hydraulics lines and improved flight software, the Osprey has become a common sight in the skies over this air station, where the testing and training squadrons operate.

"Folks still carry around old information regarding this program because so much has happened in the last three or four years," said Air Force Col. Craig Olson, the V-22 joint program manager.
Osprey's report card.

These days, the Osprey will do things critics said it would never be capable of accomplishing. During operational evaluation, it picked up a nearly 10,000-pound lightweight howitzer and carried it 69 nautical miles, program officials said. It flew 2,660 nautical miles with one aerial refueling, over 500 more than required.
During an amphibious raid test, the Osprey flew 230 nautical miles, 30 more than the requirement, and "we had enough fuel for another 75 nautical miles, if we wanted," said Col. Glenn Walters, commander of Marine Tilt-rotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 22.

Problems in six key areas - survivability, availability, logistics supportability, compatibility, interoperability and documentation - were all resolved, program officials said. The aircraft averaged 25.1 mean flight hours between aborts, over eight hours more than required, while only requiring 7.2 maintenance man-hours per flight hour, well below the 20 hours allotted.

One of the few places where the Osprey evaluation fell short of requirements was in how long it takes to fix an abort. The threshold was less than 4.8 hours, and the Osprey came in at nine.
"We had one failure that forced us to replace a prop rotor head," Walters said. Instead of receiving the needed part, the maintainers received a build-it-yourself kit from the supply chain, which dragged down their response time. So far, 48 pilots and 52 crew - chiefs have graduated from the training program or are completing lessons. For the evaluation, the squadron used eight aircraft, 21 pilots and 140 maintainers. They flew 752 flight hours over 170 sorties.

Only three deficiencies came to light: inadequate passenger seats, a radio problem and a classified issue with a radar-warning receiver, program officials said.

The seat issue is being addressed and a possible replacement has been identified. The radio problem deals with frequencies and the radar-warning issue affects other aircraft using that particular receiver.
Osprey officials expect to get the green light for full-rate production this fall. If that happens, the first Ospreys could be ready for deployments from the East Coast in early 2007.

At every turn during the event, another pilot was standing nearby to offer praise for the hybrid.
"I haven't had a scary moment," said Air Force Capt. Jim Peterson, 38, an operational test pilot with about 100 hours in the aircraft. "I haven't even had a nervous moment."

He understands the doubt in the program, but said most of it comes from old information.
"Even on the pilot side, a lot of us were skeptical," Peterson said. "Then you come over and fly it."

HAVEN'T HAD A RIDE IN THE V-22? HERE'S A TASTE
By C. Mark Brinkley Navy Times 1 Aug 05

Marine Corps Air Station New River, NC. Taking off is a lot like watching Michael Jordan dunk from the free-throw line.

One, two, then the throttle really kicks in and the MV-22 Osprey rockets into the SKY, pinning riders to their seats. Oh man, is this thing fast. Banking left for a hard turn away from the flight line, with the tilted horizon visible through the open rear hatch, the gravity of the situation really hits home.
This is no helicopter — no, sir — and it's no airplane. This is General Frankenstein's monster.
And it's alive.

For a moment, it feels like the new tilt-a-whirlybird will barrel roll, "top Gun"-style. The pilots are giving it a workout, showing off a little.

The surge of power keeps everyone pinned down like Silly Putty on the Sunday comics. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if your shirt peeled away reading the words of caution — "Warning.— Do not position feet or stow equipment under seat" — printed on the gray vinyl.

Then it breaks from zoom-zoom to near-hover so fast, as the rotors flip back to helicopter mode, that images of Wile E. Coyote floating helplessly in the sky flash in your head. But the Osprey doesn t drop to the deck. Heck, it doesn't even dip.

Instead, it just hovers over the treetops, fluttering and dancing like a $71 million hummingbird.
Graceful and elegant, capable of sick [slick?] turns and tight figure-eights, this thing bobs and weaves like a prizefighter. You can almost hear the rotors screaming, "I am the greatest," over the whine of the engine.
If feelings about the Osprey are mixed, it's for good reason. More than a decade of testing and tweaking has cost more than money. Maybe 300 people in the world have ridden this thing, and about 10 percent died doing it.

One in 10 is not good odds, but this is not the same aircraft that flew back then, program officials maintain. Flight systems have been overhauled, training has continued, if anyone associated with the training and testing programs is afraid of the Osprey, they aren't speaking up.

"I firmly believe that the potential for this has yet to be tapped,"said Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Hough, deputy commandant for aviation, when asked about the pair of crashes in 2000 that shook faith in the program and killed 23 Marines. "They didn't die in vain. They died supporting this capability!

It's easy to feel like a cheerleader for Team Osprey while you're in the air. All the promises — twice as fast, three times the load, up to five times as far — seem realistic from the back seats.
A wet droplet hits skin, bringing an old joke to mind: "If a Sea Knight isn t leaking hydraulic fluid, that means it doesn't have any."

The Osprey succeeds, at least, in forcing the comedians to find new material. That's a bead of human sweat, caused by high temperatures and healthy skepticism, not aircraft juice.

Back up to speed now, there's a sudden twist. A blast of pressure, G-forces pushing the blood to your feet. Don't even think of trying that in a helicopter — you'll just hurt yourself. By the time you get the word "Holy..." into your mouth, the Osprey is touching down on the tarmac.

‘The main thing we have to do is expose them to it," Hough said of Marines who have to ride in the new tilt-rotors. "[Camp] Lejeune is right across the river They're going to get the chance."

FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
FRAN PIERI

I appreciate those of you who brought a guest but was disappointed that no one signed up a new member. Our membership in the Grampaw Pettibone Squadron is slowly dwindling. So, if you want the Gramps Squadron. to continue, we all need to sign up new members. Tell some of your golf or church friends about our luncheons and our speakers. The Ray Pett "let me buy you a drink" contest still has $200.00 up for grabs to the person(s) who signs up the most new members this year. As a reminder; they don't have to have had previous military service to join the ANA. Our next luncheon will be on Thursday, Sept. 8th 2005. Get there early and enjoy the camaraderie with your friends and also get a good seat and table. Keep the blue side up. Fran

THE PLANES of FAME MUSEUM
by Fran Pieri

"VICTORY OVER JAPAN" will be the theme of the monthly special event hosted by the Planes of Fame Museum at the Chino Airport Saturday, Sept. 3rd, 2005, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event will begin 10:00 am with a seminar featuring combat veterans of that conflict and conclude with a flying display by the museums Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless Dive Bomber. Following the seminar; anyone of the museums members can experience the thrill of flying in a genuine warbird. Members in attendance can have their names entered into a FREE drawing for warbird backseat flight. For more info call, 909-597-3722 or visit the website, www.planesoffame.org. I will be there, hope to see you too.

Wings Wheels & Rotors Show at Los Alamitos Army Airfield, Joint Forces Training Base, on Sunday, 23 October 2005, 9AM to 4 PM

Open house sponsored by Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce, California .National Guard Joint Forces Training Base and the Professional Helicopter Pilots Association(PHPA)

All activities on the flight line at Los Alamitos Army Airfield.. Wings Wheels and Rotors will provide Helicopter Awareness Day by the PHPA and the airfield. Various civilian and military helicopters including the media aircraft seen daily in the skies around Southern California will be on display for all visitors. Included will be military aircraft, warbirds and helicopter flights in civilian helicopters for a small fee.

Also, a car show with classic cars and antique vehicles on the flightline with events for children and the rest of the family. Additionally there will be music, food, vendors, displays, demonstrations and many other activities throughout Sunday, 23 October.

Proceeds are for the military Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) funds for the base. Free admission and parking. Picture I.D. required for entrance to the base.

For more information call 562-598-6659 or at WWREXPO.COM or info@losalchamber.org