Bob Vehorn's Page

Bob,

Re your question about being stationed at ICEDEFFOR. I was the J2 for RADM Martini there from 1978-80, so that was a few years before you were there. I was stationed with your dad in RVAH-13 and we did our first deployment to Vietnam together (1965-66). Good man--great shipmate. Good memories. Blessings to you and your family. 

Bob,

CDR Putnam's granddaughter found me and I am sending her a lot of information that I have on the CDR. Pictures and stories. Would you be willing to share any stories or pictures you have with her? Please let me know. My email is sus4ever@gmail.com

Bob, another thing about your dad. I believe it was he that was flying my plane cross country, prior to deployment in 65 and was to land at Coronado. The nose wheel would not come down. They told him to eject over water but he said he was landing. He brought it in on the main mounts and gently eased it down on the nose as he slowed. She was a hanger queen getting repaired to fly again when we reached Yankee Station.  There is a picture of the aircraft, sitting on her nose, in the RVAH13 65/66 Cruise book. He was a very good pilot. 

Bob, I constantly keep my eye open for anything related to RVAH Navy and I do not remember where I found it. 

I was TAD to Subic for service changes, I was a plane captain, and each time we finished a test Hop was required. Your dad’s BN did care to go so I asked and Commander VeHirn took me Flying in the Vigilante!  He asked if I had been through the speed of sound?  I told him I’d only gone as fast as my Harley would go. He told be to watch the air speed indicator and when it jumped we were through. He went over Baguio (sp), stuck the nose straight up and began barrel rolls!  I had a ball. Thanks again, to him for a great time. 

Bob when were you in Heavy 7? I was in from 1961 to 1964 and live in Summerville, SC.

Stu Carlin

Yes bob, I was aware that he was formerly "one of us" I think that encouragedmore respect.

I know it motivated me to finish my college - BS in Accounting at Kean University in New Jarsey.. I later went on to a career in Law Enforcement with U.S. Customs (beginning in New York and finishing in South Texas (where I am now)  retiring after 30 years service.

Its amazing where we go and how we got there.. FD

I wish you well Commander, I was a PH-2 photomate that occasionally configured your photo gear in readiness for your flights and removed the film afterwards. The best!!

I was watching the video you posted the USS Kitty Hawk Pt 2 and saw my Dad in it.  He was plane captain for LCDR Vehorn.   Would that be you?  His name is Terry Fulton.  Did you know him?  I think they called him FU FU.   He passed away a year ago and it was such a blessing to see him in this video.....and so young.  :-)

Thanks for commenting - yes there were a lot of great folks in our squadron. Your dad had my respect and never asked for anyting from us he wouldn't do himself. A number of times when I was checking out the Recon Equipment he took the time to ask why I did it a certain way. Not only did it make me feel like I was important to the success but he saiid it helped him understand what goes on behind his job.

He was a fine man. In life as I made my way in management, his suggestions stayed with me my whole life.

Have a wonderful Christmas

Fred Drew