All photographs and text are graciously provided by Ron Wheeler assigned to VP-23 from 1955 to September 1958. Ron's words and pictures document a very personal chapter in the saga of the Neptune, but one that is sure to be familiar to most crewmen who flew the Neptune around the globe.
LJ11 engine and nose area. Note that the cockpit hatches have been "popped" slightly to allow some circulation of air. I think I had done this since I took the cockpit picture below and it gets hot in there in the sun. This shot offers some detail on the cowling, cowl flaps, props, etc.
VP-23 was the last remaining active duty patrol squadron to fly the SP-2H, retiring its last Neptune on 20 February 1970