To all,

I took my mom out to NAS JAX yesterday, 9-26-09 to visit the exchange, credit union, pharmacy, etc. When we went by the P2V on static display there were some Mad Fox sailors out there preping the aircraft for its new paint and markings as LA-9.

One of these fellows had spent the last two days sanding and preping the tail alone. The crew had spent the last week sanding the wings as well.

They are also completing some minor body work and will be working on the fuselage next week. I had an opportunity to climb aboard the aircraft as well. It is in fairly decent shape considering its age.

The entire squadron is behind this project. They even researched the period correct paint codes in order to have the proper hue used back in the 60's (I believe PPG is mixing up a special batch of paint for this purpose).

According to the sailors working on the plane, this particular aircraft was originally assigned to VP-5. After its surplus life it was returned to NAS JAX---a story in itself--- for static display.

I'll keep you updated as I get up to Orange Park to check on my mom.