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Robert W. Womble
CDR. Womble was given command of HAL-5 when it was established in 1978
and lead the Squadron in it's formative stage. He was promoted to Capt.
to complete his service, subsequently retiring with his wife in Texas.
Capt Womble passed away there from Cancer.
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Clyde R.
Kizer
Born in Pontiac, Michigan on 19 July 1938 (am I
really that old?). Shortly after birth, his father went to Canada to join the
(then) Royal Canadian Air Force (I don’t believe there is a cause and effect
relationship attendant to my birth and this action!). He was one of many U.S.
citizens who were too impatient to wait for the U.S. to get into the war. After
returning from service, he flew commercially for a small plastic company and
often took me flying with him (that is when aviation became a passion in his
life).
A small village, Clarkston, Michigan (population 1100) about 10 miles north of
Pontiac, is where he grew up and met the greatest lady in the world, his wife of
44 years, Hazel Lee. The school was small enough to allow me to participate in
all four major sports (at that time---football, basketball, baseball and track).
Hazel Lee was a cheerleader, but she was 2 years younger (a mere child), so we
didn’t date until his sophomore year in college. Our first date occurred when a
friend fixed us up on a “blind date” (in a town of 1100 people where everyone
knew everything there was to know about everyone else)!
His parents couldn’t afford to pay for college, so he worked 3 jobs and earned 3
scholarships (two academic and one athletic) to earn his Bachelor’s degree in
Biochemistry. One of his jobs was to serve as “Dorm Monitor” (at 18 years of
age) for a dormitory full of returning Korean War vets who had become
“professional students” until their VA loans ran out (now that was a
challenge!).
Hazel Lee believed that he was going to be a teacher, but one day he took a
friend down to NAS Gross Isle so that he could apply for the Navy Air
Intelligence Officer program. The recruiter was a savvy gent and told me that,
since he didn’t have anything to do but wait for his friend, he should take the
test and physical as well. he passed the test for Air Intelligence Officer
(which was mostly geo-political and well outside of his area of expertise) as
well as the physical (and that surprised me since he knew that he had a color
deficiency in the green/brown spectrum, the Farnsworth lantern saved his life).
When the recruiter told me that the physical was good for all officer programs,
including aviation, he asked to take the aviation aptitude test and got the
highest grade ever (at that time) at Gross Isle. As an aside, his friend
failed the written test, as well as the physical, and never served in the
military! Hazel Lee was surprised (to say the least) when he came home to tell
her that we would be in the Navy for the next 5 years.
Fifteen years later he left active duty after 4000 hours flight time, one tour
in HS-6 flying SH-3A and UH-34G/J aircraft (2 astronaut recoveries, first helo
squadron to conduct SAR and patrol work on Yankee Station, 1 day after the “Gulf
of Tonkin Incident”), a short tour as a RAG instructor in HS-10 (where we
trained VH-3A pilots for President Johnson), completion of the U.S. Naval Test
Pilot School, a tour in the Flight Test Division at the U.S. Naval Air Test
Center, NAS Pawtuxent River, MD (best test pilots in the world), a tour in HAL-3
(the greatest combat squadron in Vietnam) and another tour as the VSTOL Flying
Qualities Flight Instructor at the Naval Test Pilot School (flying 18 different
aircraft when he left. You can’t do that anymore). he had been deep-selected for
command under ADM Zumwalt’s “Bobby-Sox” program and the squadron that he was to
command was headed for Vietnam. Since the U.S. had given in to the media,
the war was winding down, and odds were getting shorter, and he had seen all
that he wanted to see in SE Asia, he reluctantly left the Navy to become an
Engineering Test Pilot for United Airlines in San Francisco.
While flying for UAL, he was selected to be the Director, and then the Vice
President, of Engineering and Quality Assurance. he was the UAL
representative for the engineering development team for the Boeing 767 and the
first airline pilot to receive an Airline Transport Pilot rating in that
aircraft.
The Navy gave me everything that he could ask for, including the opportunity to
associate with some of the finest people in the world. he requested, and
received, a commission in the Naval Reserve upon leaving active duty. While
flying in the Reserves, he served as Maintenance Officer for HS-85 (which was a
better choice than the A3D squadron he was originally slated for) and then
became a plank-owner in HAL-5 as XO under Commander Bob Womble and then
Commanding Officer on 18 November 1978. At that time HAL-5 had the finest
officers, chiefs and enlisted men in the Reserves and he was proud to have had
the privilege to serve with such an elite group of men. Every man in the
squadron was exceptional and his tour with HAL-5 was one of the greatest
experiences in his life. Everyone worked hard and played hard (some did play
harder than others!). We carried on the tradition of our birthright with Navy
Special Warfare, SEAL, UDT and PBR units, while surviving floods,
near-activation for the Iranian hostage crisis and the challenge of getting our
people back across the Mexican border during ACDUTRA liberty. "My only
failing rests with the lack of discipline in that group typified by the squadron
“moon” that he was subjected to, and my “baptism” during a “staged”
re-enlistment while hanging from a “Chicago-grip”". he retired an 0-6 with 23
years of service after many memorable and happy times and the sorrow of losing
over 80 of his best friends at their stations in aircraft.
In 1988 he left United to be the Vice President Engineering and Maintenance for
the Air Transport Association in Washington, DC. The day that he arrived
at ATA, he started the industry activity to assure the airworthiness of aging
aircraft (following the Aloha 737 “convertible” incident). That activity
consumed 198 meetings in the first year and involved participants from 17
airlines, 5 airframe manufacturers, 3 regulatory authorities, 7 nations, DOD,
NASA, academia, and nuclear power plant operators. It was the finest collection
of aerospace technical personnel to assemble prior to the Challenger incident.
He left ATA to be the Senior Vice President/Operations for Midway Airlines,
under David Hinson (former F3H driver and future FAA Administrator). Following
the demise of Midway he joined Airbus as President/COO Airbus Service Company, a
position that he have held since 1992. His responsibilities included all aspects
of customer services (flight and maintenance training, engineering, field
service, maintenance services and material) for North America, and the majority
of the customer service responsibilities for South and Central America as well
as the Caribbean.
"Hazel Lee and I have 3 children, 3 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. We
have had a great life together and have enjoyed manifold blessings from a
wonderful family and superb friends. The Navy and HAL-5 will always hold a very
special place in our lives and our hearts."
God bless you all and God bless America.
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Wallace D
Tweden
Born on
January 13, 1940, in Spokane, Washington. Grew up in Tacoma, Washington, an
honors graduate from Lincoln High School in 1957.
Introduction to the Navy came as a Midshipman in the NROTC program at the
University of Washington, where he graduated in 1961 with a degree in
mathematics. Upon receiving his regular commission as an ensign, he attended
Navy pilot training in Pensacola, Florida. He received his Naval Aviator wings
in January 1963, and attended the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island,
prior to reporting for duty at Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron TWO (HS-2) at
NAS Ream Field in Imperial Beach, California, where he became an aircraft
commander in the Sikorsky Sea King H-3. He made one deployment to the Western
Pacific aboard the USS Homer during this short tour. He served as the squadron
legal officer and public affairs officer.
This
sea-duty tour was split with an assignment to return to the Naval Basic Training
Command as a flight instructor at VT-3, flying the T-28 at NAAS Whiting Field,
Milton, Florida. He also served as legal officer for VT-3. He was released from
active duty in September 1966.
While
attending graduate school at the University of Washington, he accepted a reserve
commission and began flying with HS-892 at NAS Sand Point, Seattle, flying the
H-34. The naval air reserve organization was changing during this period and
squadrons were being given new identities and being relocated; Captain Tweden
served in several different entities. Upon the transition which finally made the
naval reserve a part of the ready force in direct support of the active force,
he was assigned to HS-85 at NAS Alameda. He served as Standardization (NATOPS)
Officer and Safety Department Head at HS-85. After being promoted to Commander,
he was selected as commanding officer of the training squadron in support of
HS-85.
In 1978
he became executive officer of HAL-5 at NAS Point Mugu, and succeeded to command
as the third commanding officer of the squadron. During his tenure as commanding
officer, the squadron demonstrated its readiness by successfully performing a
rapid deployment via Air Force C-5 to a remote sight.
Captain
Tweden transferred to the Retired Reserve in 1984 after 23 years of service. In
civilian life he was a flight officer with United Airlines, where he had
assignments as a supervisory check pilot and as a flight manager. He has two
children and three grandchildren.
(Editors note: On the Discovery Channel, Capt Tweden was featured in a TV
documentary on the planning and construction of the Boeing 777. He was shown in
the cockpit during testing and was interviewed by the announcer).
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Robert
O.
Brockmeier
I was born on April 22,
1941 in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from Cathedral High School in
1959 I attended the University of Southern California on an NROTC Scholarship,
graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1963.
I
completed Naval Flight Training in August, 1964. The first duty station after
the RAG (Replacement Air Group) training in HS-10 was HS-2 where I was stationed
from February 1965 until February 1968. The squadron deployed to the Western
Pacific twice and was involved in numerous short cruises. The next duty station
was NAS Whidbey Island, Washington where my billet was Station Helicopter Pilot.
After leaving active duty in February 1969 I affiliated with the Naval Reserves
at NAS Seattle, flying the SH-3A Sea King, the same aircraft I flew in HS-2.
Upon transfer to NAS Los Alamitos in mid 1969 I affiliated with HS-80L2 which
became HS-84. HS-84 transferred to NAS Imperial Beach in mid 1970 and later to
NAS North Island. During my time in HS-84 I moved from a division officer to
Safety Officer and eventually Operations Officer. The augment squadron HS-694
was my next assignment in 1979 as Commanding Officer until late 1980.
In
late 1980 I transferred to HAL-5 and became Executive Officer in early 1981. On
June 12, 1982 I became Commanding Officer of HAL-5. In early 1984 I transferred
to VTU 9494 at Point Mugu, and later moved to VTU 7676 at NAS North Island,
where I completed my Naval Career in 1990.
Upon release from active duty I was hired by United Airlines in April 1969
retiring in April 2001. Flying experience included the B-727, DC-8, DC-10,
A-320, and B-747-400 aircraft.
Barbara and I were married in December 1963, and raised four sons, Stuart,
Chris, Neal, and Paul. All are married and have given us 4 grandchildren as of
2008. Our residence for the past 35 years is in Villa Park, California. We enjoy
traveling, primarily by sea. Military history occupies much of my retirement
time. I enjoy touring battlefields and visits to military and naval museums. In
retirement I keep busy when not on cruises doing home repair work. Our health is
good, and we look forward to many more years of interesting challenges. Back
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Thomas V. Weckworth
Commander Weckworth was
born 25 Sept. 1944 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He graduated from Beaver Dam High
School in 1963. He graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree from
Stout State University in Menomonie, WI.
Entering Aviation
Officer Candidate School in Oct. of 1967, he received his commission in Jan. of
1968. He was designated a Naval Aviator in Mar. of 1969 and was assigned to
HAL-3 in Vietnam from June 1969 to Jun of 1970. He reported to HC-1 Detachment
Two at the Naval Air Station, Imperial Beach, CA. in Sept. 1970. Flying the
HH-2C, he deployed to the Western pacific aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. He was
released from Active duty in Jan. 1972.
Commander. Weckworth
affiliated with the Naval Reserve at Naval Air Station, Imperial Beach, CA. in
June of 1972, while attending the Los Angeles School of Chiropractic. As a
Select4ed Air reservist, he was a member of RTU-84 and was a Plank Owner of HC-9
and HAL-5. He assumed the duties of Executive Officer in June of 1982.
Commander Weckworth's
decorations include thirty (30) Air Medals, Single Action Air Medal, Purple
Heart, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service
Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Pistol Medal.
Commander Weckworth
resides in Ventura, CA. with his wife, the former Rauleen Gonzalez of San Diego,
CA. and his two children, John and Kelly. He is a practicing Doctor of
Chiropractic in Ventura.
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Edward G Marsyla
Commander Marsyla attended the University
of Minnesota, Duluth Branch, prior to entering aviation
flight training as a Naval Aviation Cadet in Apr. 1964.
He was commissioned an Ensign and designated a Naval Aviator in Nov. 1965.
His first tour was with
HELANTISUBRON SIX at Naval Air Station, Imperial Beach, CA. He completed 2
WESTPAC deployments to Vietnam aboard the USS Kearsarge, where the squadron
assumed the Combat Search and Rescue mission. In 1968 he changed to the TAR
Officer Designator and subsequent duty assignments included Naval Air Station,
Sand Point, Seattle, WA.; Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, CA., where he
received his under-graduate degree in Engineering Science: Naval Air Reserve
Detachment, Quonset Point, Rhode Island; and HELANTISUBRON NINE at Naval Air
Station, North Island, San Diego, Ca.
He was then assigned to
the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington DC., in the Current
Capabilities and Mobilization Plans Section (OP-650E). Following that
assignment, he was the Chief staff Officer on Helicopter Wing Reserve Staff at
Naval station, North Island, San Diego, CA. In May 1984 he reported to
Helicopter Attack Squadron Light FIVE, Naval Air station, Point Mugu, CA. and
assumed the duties as executive Officer.
Commander Marsyla's
decorations include the Silver Star Medal, Meritorious service Medal, Ait Medal
with Star and Number 4, Navy Commendation Medal, and Purple Heat.
Commander Marsyla is
married to the former Toni Bonwell of Arlington, VA.
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Eric Robert
Haupt
Captain Eric Robert
Haupt was born in New Britain, Connecticut, October 2, 1942. He graduated from
San Fernando Valley State College with a BA in Business Administration in June,
1967. He immediately entered the Navy as an Aviation Officer Candidate, was
commissioned an Ensign in October 1967, and earned his "Wings of Gold" in 1968.
Captain Haupt was
initially assigned to NAS Pawtuxet River, Maryland, where he flew both
helicopters and multi-engine fixed-wing aircraft. He was later assigned to NAS
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a SAR pilot flying the HH-1K, HU-16, C-117, and S-2
aircraft. He left the Navy in 1971 to establish a private university and a State
Bar-approved law school in Los Angeles, California. In August of 1976, he
affiliated with the Naval Air Reserve Unit at NAS Point Mugu and participated in
the feasibility study for a proposed helicopter attack squadron.
In March, 1977,
Commander Haupt became a plank owner of that very same squadron: Helicopter
Attack Squadron (Light) FIVE (HAL-5) and served continuously in various
capacities until May 18, 1986, when he became the seventh Commanding Officer of
the squadron. He capably led the squadron through a series of successful
operational detachments.
In February 1988 was
selected to the rank of Captain. Captain Haupt retired in November of 1992
after 28 years of service.
Captain Haupt is a
Managing Director of ING. managing over 200 independent office for Life, ING
Financial Partners and the INGDirect Financial Advisors Service. Extremely
active in church and civic organizations. Former member of the Board of
Directors, “Los Angeles County Library Foundation”. Former President and is
currently Treasurer of “Friends of the Agoura Hills Library”. He is married to
the former Diane Damm of Woodland Hills, California. They have three children:
David, Erica and Darren. Four Grandchildren: Ashton, Sophia. Elijah and
Giselle.
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David Patrick
Johnson
Commander David Patrick Johnson was born in Los Angeles,
California, June 30, 1947, and graduated from UCLA in 1969 with a BS in Physics.
He was commissioned an Ensign at the Aviation Officer Candidate School in
Pensacola, Florida, on September 18, 1970, and was designated a Naval Aviator in
October, 1971.
Reporting to HSL-31, NAS Imperial Beach, California,
Commander Johnson deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin (Republic of Vietnam) in 1972
with the Seventh West-Coast LAMPS detachment aboard the USS O'CALLAHAN. For nine
months, he performed numerous utility, SAR, ASW, MEDEVAC, and gunfire spotting
missions in support of the war effort, ultimately participating with CTF-78 in
minesweeping Haiphong Harbor, North Vietnam. He later served as assistant OIC of
helicopter support detachments aboard the USNS CHAUVENET in 1974 and the USS
OKLAHOMA CITY in 1975, ultimately reporting to HT-18, NAS Whiting, Florida, as a
flight instructor in Advanced Helicopter Training.
In 1977, Commander Johnson left the active-duty Navy,
accepted a commission in the Naval Reserves, and joined the newly commissioned
HAL-5 at NAS Point Mugu, CA. During his time with HAL-5 he served as NATOPS
Officer, Safety Officer, and Operations Officer, participating with the squadron
in BRIGHT STAR 83 (Cairo, Egypt), GALLANT KNIGHT 84 (Fort Bragg, NC), TEAM
SPIRIT (Republic of Korea 1985, 1986, 1987), FOAL EAGLE 86 (Republic of Korea),
and numerous detachments to San Clemente Island.
Commander Johnson is currently consulting with
manufacturing concerns around the Los Angeles area.
He resides in Big Tujunga Canyon with his wife,
Margaret, and a pack of Chinese Shar-pei dogs. Back to CO Page
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