Foil: 17 Panel: 2 Column: 4 Line: 90

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Joann Goldston

Vernon D. Goldston, a 20-year-old graduate of Texas Tech University, who had been awarded a private pilot's license while in high school, enlisted in the Navy in May 1952. In October he attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI. After graduating from OCS as an Ensign, Vernon was transferred to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, FL for primary flight training in the SNG (AT-6) aircraft. Flight training was completed with the steady progression from Primary (Whiting), Instrumentation, and formation at Saufley Field, FL and gunnery and carrier qualification at Barin Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Foley, AL.

In 1954, Vernon reported to Hutchinson Naval Air Station, KS for multi-engine land-based training. Lieutenant JG Vernon D. Goldston was then assigned to a new Navy program -- "Plow Back" -- returning to South Whiting Field at Milton, FL as a flight training officer. He was responsible for instructing new as well as former pilots who wanted flight certification.

In 1957 Vernon was assigned to VA-116 based at Miramar NAS, San Diego, CA. The squadron flew single-engine attack planes and this was one of two attack squadrons organized for atomic weapons delivery.

Vernon resigned his commission in 1959 to pursue a civilian career.