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- Upper left is Recruit Roger Graves
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- Co. 93 Naval Recruit Training – Great Lakes, Illinois
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- T-28 2 Place Trainer
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- SNJ Training aircraft lined up on the tarmac, circa WW2
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- The rear of the hangar where I worked on the second floor, weather office just below the tower on the left.
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- Barin Field, Foley Alabama – A WW2 vintage photo
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- SNJ Trainers lined up on the flight line at Barin Field during WW2
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- T-28 at Barin Field
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- Barracks at Barin Field, Foley, Alabama – 1958
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- T-28 with flight crew
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- In the Navy 1959
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- The front gate at Pensacola
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- T-28 currently on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida
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- Arial view of the air station
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- One of the modern barracks at the base.
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- A flight crews pose with one of their modern jet trainers
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- Pensacola is the home base of the Blue Angels
Roger in the U.S.Navy 1957 – 1961
I joined the Navy in 1957, fresh out of High School. I received my basic training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago. I then attended Aviation Fundamental School in Norman, OK, then off to Aerographers School in Lakehurst, NJ. In ’58 I was assigned duties to the Operations Division, Weather Office at Barin Field, Foley, AL. The base was decommissioned 6 months later and off to nearby NAS Pensacola. After approximately one year there, I was off to Norfolk, VA serving aboard the USS Albemarle, AV-5, a Seaplane Tender. We decommissioned the Albemarle, then transferred to the USS Randolph, CVS-15, an Anti-Submarine Aircraft Carrier. I was honorably discharged in February, 1961 after serving 3 years and 11 months.
I finished my Navy tour in 46. I was Located in Tactical and was in charge of the Skipper’s SNJ, the Weather Plane, 6 N2S bi planes, the Hospital Cub and all visiting aircraft. Walter Winchell tagged our field with “Bloody Barin” stemming mostly from the period when the Brits were training there and were a bit on the wild side. I still communicate with Herb Ficket from Bangor Main. The rest of our group has passed away. A few years back my nephew shot touch and goes at Barin while training at Main Side. He advised me that the buildings were pretty much gone..
I was on the finger line responsible for the Skippers Plane
in 1943, night flying , standing four hour watches and
and regular duty during the day.
shipped out to Norfolk VA 1 Jan 1944.
My uncle, W.O. Brady was at Barin in 1958. He was AMC. I have a 1958 year book for the field. What might I do with it? I am in not going to be around forever and my family is not interested. Thanks John
I just found this web site, John if you still have that 1958 year book I would be very interested in it. Email me with details to utredsfan@yahoo.com.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Don Wetzel
Never heard from you John, do you still have that book? I would love to have, just tell me how much.
Was stationed at Barin 1956 till 1958, would love to get in touch with some one.
Don Wetzel. email utredsfan@yahoo.com
I was at Barin from ’57 to ’58 until the base was decommissioned. Transferred to Pensacola, then on to the USS Albemarle AV-5, then to the USS Randolph, CVS-15. Fond memories of Barin and Pensacola.
Roger, do ever get back to Foley often? I get there every year as I only live 4.5 hours from there, Jackson Ms. I have more fond memories of Foley and Barin than I do my ship I was on. I would like to met you and others from the base and have a small reunion, if only for a day or so. I go every year to the USS Wasp reunion and held a mini reunion this past Sept. Heck why couldn’t we have a reunion of Barrin Field? Tell me what you think.
Hi Don. Actually, I’ve only been back to Foley once since 1959, and that was in 2009. I live in Michigan, so I may never get back. But, I did enjoy my time in Foley and Pensacola and have fond memories of that little town. I was very surprised to see how much it has grown along with Gulf Shores. Amazing!
was in your bootcamp co. also stationed barin field1958
Sorry Gene, I checked my bootcamp company roster and your name was not listed. Perhaps you were there, but in a different company. Thanks for your comment.
I was stationed at Barin Field from 1/1/56 to 12/12 56 when I was discharged. I was an AD 3 and worked the night flying crew from about June to Dec of 56. I had a 1950 Olds 88 and spent my liberty time in Mobile. I married a girl from 8 mile Ala. { near Mobile}. Lived in Mobile from 61to 67. Enjoyed my time at Barin and the night flying crew were a bunch of great guys. We worked hard and played hard!!
Roger, hope all is well. Does any one come on this site any more? I plan on spending a couple days in Foley 2nd week in October, sure wish I could hear from an old Barin
mate. Going to do my best to get on the base, what’s left of it, this time and take some pictures.
Don, hope this gets thru to you. Just found this web site a couple of days ago and found some interesting reading. I, too, found Barin field a great place to be stationed, especially after some of the other installations I saw while in the Navy. I really can’t complain too much on the others as I fondly remember my service days and those memories are more vivid and memorable than any other time in my life. Maybe it was because I was from a small town in central Washington with a population of around 3000, and seeing bigger things out there. I made it thru Foley in 2002 in my quest to ride my Honda Goldwing in all 48 states. I was also very surprised at how much the area had grown. Didn’t recognize anything there. Anyway I live in Seattle now and don’t see the chance to get down there again. My email is hbobollinger@gmail.com if you want to exchange any info. Especially interested in the list of personnel stationed there. Thanks. Bo
I was stationed at Barin field also,from 1956-1958.I was an AMS3 at the time.I keep thinking about the place,it’s been 56 years,man,where does the time go.I remember Mobile very well,I helped to pay for the police station there(just once).I guess they have two tunnels going into Mobile now.I used to go to the YMCA as you come out of the tunnel,used to go to Brookley Air Force base for midnight chow .Never came in by the USS Alabama.Used to go to the Princess House for chow,used to hang out at the bus station,and,also went to the USO.I hear the park is now a memorial park.I am sure that Mobile has grown a lot in 56 years.Had a girlfriend in Pritchard.I left in 1958 and got transferred to Guantanamo Bay to support squadron.I put a total of ten years in the Navy and it was a lot of fun,Got married,my wife didn’t want me to go back into the reserves,I had to quit.Barin field was okay,maybe someone knew about “Iron Mike”(CPO),he used to ride a bike back and forth to the hangar,take care
Thanks for your comments Jerry. I was at Barin 1959 until it was decommissioned, then transferred to Pensacola for another year. Then, onto Norfolk serving on two ships. Yes, Mobile was a great liberty town. I too stayed at the “Y” and visited the USO quite often. I enjoyed Barin, Foley, and Gulf Shores. All neat places. We used to check out .22 rifles from the base and go into the Bayous and shoot Water Moccasins. Lots of fun.
I was in the paint shop,my boss was Mashburn,2nd class P.O.Frenchy Lafluer was,my c.o at hangar No.2.We had to get the planes ready for decommissioning.The other guy refused to help get the planes done,I wrote him (Gentry)up on five charges,the C.O. didn’t want his record messed up.So,to make a long story short,The FBI picked him up 31 days later.Lot Of Memories.Do you remember when Admiral Arleigh Burke checked us out on the west runway? How about the swimming pool,great fun.Went on google and the only part of Barin that was being
used,I think,the east runway,everything else is gone.Foley has changed in 56 years and I would get lost in that little dinky city now.Used to dance at the pavilion down gulf shores.Do you remember the hick restaurant on the way to Barin? Keep in touch,we could do this forever.I tried to see NAS Leeward Point in Gitmo,but,it might be censored.I did see the airfield,but,no fighters on the flight line.Oh well,Progress has passed us by.I am now 76 years old and still remember Barin Field,but don’t remember yesterday,go figure.
Jerry, great post! You bring back some great memories. I was at Barin in 56 & 57. I go back to Foley, Summerdale Magnolia Springs etc every year. In fact I will be in Foley Nov. 2nd and the 3rd. Anyone that sees this message should come on down and I will buy the drinks at the VFW in Elberta. Email me at utredsfan@yahoo.com or call me at 601-506-6128, leave a message.
Jerry, I have read your post before but must have missed this part,, why does the name Frenchy Lafuer ring a bell? I was at Barin 56 and 57, crash crew and believe in hanger one, and his name is so familiar.
Last time I was at the “new” Barin I was at the gate peering in and one of the sailors came to the gate and asked if they could help me. After talking to him awhile he invited me onto the base to look around, said they only had one plane in the pattern but knew I knew how to stay off the runway and taxiways. A group then came out and wanted me to tell them about “bloody Barin”. Then, the one plane in the pattern taxied in to take a break. The instructor was a female and as sweet as she could be. They all gathered around to hear my tales and made me feel real important. She wanted me to take a ride around the pattern in the turbo T-34. It was surreal and I came away feeling as giddy as a teen age school girl. I don’t remember when I had so much fun. They were truly a great bunch. I wanted to write them a good letter but was afraid some of the things they let me do would have gotten them in trouble. What a day !!
Olathe was just South of Kansas City but is likely now a part of KC.
I’m sorry you missed the crash crew at Barin as I knew it. They were parked in the East hanger, Hanger one, I think they called it. That was a rough and ready crew and would stop at nothing to rescue a pilot. I remember one day an SNJ went upside down and caught fire. The truck that was the closest was a foam pickup with one man. He ran his truck up under the tail, lifting the tail in the air, pulled the pilot out and drug him to safety before the other trucks got there. Those guys were something else. The mantra was always wave at the crash crew…they could one day save your rear. All my airline career I did that every time I taxied by a crash truck.
Did I mention sneaking over the South fence and “borrowing” watermelons.
I live in the Brentwood part of greater Nashville. Grew up in East Nashville.
Would like to know more about the Wasp reunion but can’t find it.
On Nov 22, 2014, at 10:51 PM, DON WETZEL wrote:
Robert, I don’t remember the lightning or a base called Olathe. Where was it at?
The only thing I drove was a gray Navy Chevy pickup with foam tanks and hoses, crash crew you know.
More in common, I lived in Nashville in the early 80’s, have children there now and go up every Christmas and in the summer. Where in Nashville do you live? We are having our WASP reunion there next year in September, you should attend. Tons of fun.
I was on Barin Field first week in Nov. this year. I go to Foley and Barin every fall.
Don
On Saturday, November 22, 2014 8:27 AM, Robert Hall wrote:
Did you drive an MB2 or 3? Or the jeep with the tall flagpole antenna. Remember when a lightning bolt hit the guys across from the admin building and knocked them down like bowling pins? Or the midair over the main gate during FCLP training? I can’t remember the chiefs name but he was. AP…flew the Beechcraft a lot.
Remember when the Navy had a base in Olathe? I was temporarily based there twice for school.
I’m from Nashville and still live here. After the Navy and the GI Bill, I went to work for Delta Airlines and commuted to Atlanta for 31 years. I retired as a Boeing 767 Captain.
Occasionally take the family to Gulf Shores and while they are on the beach I visit Barin and Henry’s Drug Store…yep it is still there. West field is gone but they still use East field…have a skeleton crew there.
Bob
On Nov 21, 2014, at 11:50 PM, DON WETZEL wrote:
Darn Bob, we have so much in common. I was at Barin from April 1956 till Dec 1957 and also went aboard the Wasp CVS18. I was in the Crash Crew at Barin and V4 Division on the Wasp.
Went to Gulf Shores many times in 56 and 57 but do not remember the Sandbar, is this just a joke? lol
I remember the SNJ’s and the T28s well.
Bob, fill me in, where are from, where do you live now? I plan on a reunion of Barin nest fall, I will keep you posted.
If you get time, check out the Wasp Page on facebook. Stay in touch, we have a lot to talk about.
Don Wetzel Cell phone 601-506- 6128
On Friday, November 21, 2014 9:19 PM, Robert Hall wrote:
Was at Barin from 1955 to 1957 then went aboard the Wasp CVS18 in VS-33.
Worked the control tower on East Field and sometimes activated the tower on West Field. Worked and lived at the only bar on the beach, the Sandbar at Gulf Shores. Still have pictures of the ramp and hangers filled with SNJ’s. Had just started getting the “Maytags” (T-28s), so named because they sounded like washing machines. Can’t count the number of crashes I saw and one I was almost in.
Might be interested in your reunion.
Bob Hall
Anyone know if it possible to buy a hat/cap with Barin Field on it? Probably would have to have one made I guess.
Went in the USN in1951. Was right out of boot an was sent to Barin . Went there as an AD. But was there when there was no no crash crew so guess what now I worked on that job for 4 years,had a cousin in the AF at Elgin . He got off every week end . And I only got one week end off a month , something was not right there so got out and went in the AF in 55. Retired in 72 from Edwards AIr base in cal. If I was young again I would do it all over again. Enjoyed all the comments about Barin . The T28 came there in 55. And one of the first ones crashed killing both. The cable shorted out on the radio.
Bill
Barin Field reunion being plan for October this year, details on the other Roger Graves website.
Live in. Foley now need more info about reunion father stationed at. Barin. Field 1942-1943 ,he will be in foley in September for the winter would like to come to the reunion
I just stumbled across this website when I was looking up Barin Field. I was stationed there as a NAVCAD (Naval Aviation Cadet) in August and September, 1958. I went through gunnery and carrier landing practice in the T-28. I thoroughly enjoyed the gunnery runs and did well. Worked my butt off on the carrier practice and failed on my first pass at the carrier and had to go back. Passed the second time. While I was there a gunner’s mate was killed when he stepped into a propeller. If I remember right, he finished arming the guns on his plane, then, against the rules, he stepped over to the adjacent plane. The gunner who was supposed to be working on that particular plane didn’t see him but the student did.. When the gunner gave the student the signal to move, the student shook his head and pointed down. The gunner took a quick look and again waved the student forward. When the student started taxiing forward, the gunner who was in the wrong place jumped right into the spinning prop. Needless to say, those 4 students did not fly that day.
Hi Jerry thanks for your comment on my web site. I was stationed at Barin in 1958, then transferred to Pensacola after that. I was in the weather service and watched a T-28 coming in for a landing in the summer of ’58. As the aircraft was in the pattern, a streamer came out of the rear passenger area of the aircraft. It started girate up and down, then did a circle and dove into the woods. A big ball of fire erupted and of course very black smoke. We learned later that the pilot’s parachute somehow deployed and streamed out the back causing the plane to go down. We also learned later it was a German flight student. A real tragedy, hence the nick name, “Bloody Barin”.
Hi Roger! Came across this blog while researching SNJ’s at Barin Field.. Could you contact me please.. Im very interested in any reference pics you have.. Im currently building an SNJ model for a gentleman who was stationed here in 42 or so..my email is aaronmalone71@gmail.com or you can text/call me at 407-520-8257.. Thank you very much.
Sorry Aaron, I have no other photos but what is posted. The SNJ’s were being phased out and replaced ny the T-28’s when I arrived at Barin Field when I arrived in ’58,
I was at Barin field from 1957 to its closing. Tire shop with Ralph Z
Hey Pete, that was about the time I was there, and I too closed the base and was transferred to NAS Pensacola for a year, then off to sea duty for two years. We probably didn’t cross paths as I was in the Operations Division at the main hanger where the tower was located.
My father was stationed at Barin Field in 1944 but I thought it was in Pensacola. Can someone clarify the difference for me? My Dad’s scrapbook with pictures all say Pensacola. He worked in the chaplain’s office and there are pictures of the chaplain and commanding officer, mess hall, different units,etc. Of all the time I spent in Pensacola as a child I do not remember visiting Barin Field, only different sections of the NAS and of course the old forts.
Rachel, Barin Field was part of the Pensacola Naval Training Center, but it was a small Auxillary Air Field West of Pensacola about 30+ miles away.
This French fellow, Franck Ricou, sent me the following email in search of information on his cousin who crashed at Barin in 1954: Also, ck out the web site link about his cousin. Lots of photos and info, but in French. Very interesting…
Hello Roger,
I am not sure that you have received my answer by your site I therefore allow you to send a copy by mail
thanks to your answer. My cousin was a French cadet in Pensacola, he arrived in April 1954. He went to Whiting Field and Horsley before arriving at the Barin Field on January 12, 1955.
He crashed on January 24, 1955 during a return to the gunnery.
I found some of his french friends and I would like to find americans who could have known him.
I went to the scene of his accident in 2017 (very important for me).
If you want, you can consult a site on him: http://saugues43.wixsite.com/bien-chers-parents
his name: André Paulhe.
thank you in advance for your response and your help
Franck
Good day all. I found this site, and thought I might share a little, as others have. My father, (AMM2 Harry Keenan) was at Barin Field on VE day. I’m thinking he probably got there sometime in ’44, and was there when the war ended. He was on and off of the USS Ranger, and then was assigned there (V-4 Div.) until July ’46 when he got out. Dad loved Foley, and is buried there in Magnolia Springs Cemetery.
After four tours of duty in Korea (CTD-15 / USS CAVALIER, APA 37) and before 8 tours in Vietnam (LCU Div 13, AC1-Div & USS Polk County LST-1084), all of which were served transporting personnel and supplies thru inland rivers, My father, Glenn J. Gibson, QM3, USN, was stationed at Barin Field from November 1956 to October 1958 “for a normal tour of shore duty”. I have detailed records all ALL my dad’s military duties, except for these two years. The only record there is is one complaint from P.P. Passasisi, claiming that my dad was working out of his rate, on the “Deep Sea Fishing Boat”………”No Disciplinary Action Pending” Do you know anything about this?
Sorry Peter, I have never heard of such a violation of the Naval Code. I’m wondering if it wasn’t some kind of joke someebody posted. It doesn’t sound legitimate. Perhaps somebody else who views your post can shed some light on this. Thanks for checking out my web site.
Roger,
Thanks for responding. I already knew what went on down there, as my mother is still alive and well. I was more interested if you knew my father, and or, if you knew others that did as well? My father was the best man I knew, hard worker, good husband and father. He passed away 4 years ago. Although he lived to be 83, every cancer and disease he suffered from was born from his constant exposure to Agent Orange. I helped my mother in her widow’s pension and DIC claim with the VA, which is why I have stacks and stacks of medical records and all of his detailed military records (all except from October 1956 to November 1958…smiles). I have to believe in the Navy, of course, as I do in my father, so I hope whoever my father took out on those Deep Sea Fishing trips came back happy.
Roger,
Please get ahold of me, petegibson0715@gmail.com or here, I would love to talk to you about my dad and Lieutenant Passanisi and Barin Field and I have pictures too that i would share with you