Nor’Easters of VR-62, The
Originally called the Motowners VR-62 was establsihed in 1985 at NAF Detroit, Michigan flying C-9B Skytrain IIs in support of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing. The Motowners became the “Mass Tansport” nine years later upon their transfer to NAS South Weyouth, Massachusetts where they transitioned to C-130T Hercules transports, the aircraft they currently fly. VR-62 detachments were subsequently sent to Sigonella, Sicily and Atsugi, Japan.
Due to BRAC, South Weymouth was closed and VR-62 moved to is current home, NAS Brunswick, becoming the Nor’Easters in 1996. The squadron continues to support worldwide Naval operations. As LCDR James Corey of the squadron puts it, “VR-62 is a Naval Air Reserve squadron but we operate 365 days a year vice being weekend warriors.”
VR-62 has transported more than 12,000 passengers and over 11.6 million pounds of cargo since receiving the C-130Ts.
Among many Nor’Easter accolades are four Noel Davis Battle Es, two James M. Holcombe Maintenance Excellence Awards, two CNO Safety Ss, two Fleet Logistics Support Wing Training Excellence Awards and two ADM Phil Smith Operational Excellence Awards.
Commanding the Nor’Easters is CDR Robert R. Smith. His XO is CDR Christopher S. Chambers. The OiC is CDR Mark W. Samuels. The prospective XO (in May 2004) is CDR Mark O. Howell.