Vietnam Veteran from VFA-32 visits NHHC Booth during NAS Oceana Air Show

Photo By Max Lonzanida | Wayne Roberto, Sr., a US Navy Veteran who served with NAS Oceana's VFA-32 during the Vietnam War, stops by the NHHS exhibit during the 2018 NAS Oceana Air Show. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

09.24.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

Visitors to the Naval History and Heritage Command’s booth at the 2018 NAS Oceana Air show were delighted to learn about density, mass, sound and sonar. In fact, on Friday, September 21, 2018; nearly 5,000 school children from area public schools swarmed the tent for STEM Day. Just like the National Park Service has their Every kid in a Park Program; the NAS Air Show, on-conjunction with the facility’s 75h Anniversary, sought to expose all of the 5th grade students with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools to STEM; in-essence every (5th grade) student immersing in STEM. And rightfully so, without Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, the aircraft flying overhead to the delight of spectators would simply not be possible.

In addition to STEM, visitors to the NHHS booth also had the opportunity to learn about the US Navy’s ten museums; and the exhibits and resources available in person and online. For one visitor to the booth, the air show served as a memorable return home to a facility and fighter squadron that eventually brought him in harm’s way during the Vietnam War.

MC2 Mutis Capizzi noticed that one of the visitors to the booth wore a Vietnam Veteran hat. Capizzi inquired about his service, and upon a positive response, reached below the table and provided him with a Vietnam Veteran commemorative pin. These pins are given to Vietnam Veterans who stop by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, along with a commemorative proclamation. The pin and proclamation serve as a small token of appreciation, and this brought a tear to the veteran’s eye.

Wayne Roberto, Jr first reported to Naval Air Station Oceana in the Mid-1960s. As he looked at the commemorative pin, he shed some light on his service during the Vietnam War. Roberto was a sheet metal mechanic, and reported for duty with VFA-32 as NAS Oceana decades ago. He indicated that the squadron at the time flew the iconic F-4B Phantom II; and he deployed with the squadron to Vietnam, is it embarked aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). He was appreciative of the commemorative pin, and quickly placed it on his cap along with the other pins that he collected over the years.

The Fighting Swordsmen of VFA-32 still call NAS Oceana their home. In fact, their F/A-18F Super Hornet’s and air crews recently sortied ahead of anticipated severe weather during Hurricane Florence in earlier this month. The squadron itself is over 70 years old, and was founded on February 1, 1945. They originally flew the F-6F Hellcat during WWII. During the Vietnam war, F-4B Phantom II aircraft that Roberto worked on were embarked with CAG-1 aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42). During this action in Vietnam, the squadron flew 940 combat missions without any aircraft or aircrew lost. In May 1968, the squadron embarked aboard the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) for her maiden voyage. Roberto pointed out snippets of his service during this brief interaction, and staff members at the NHHS booth were appreciative and honored with his visit.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.24.2018
• Date Posted: 09.24.2018 15:13
• Story ID: 294195
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US