Status and Updates

Under Contruction!

This page is always under constant Construction!

11/27/04: To do this update is such a pain now that Yahoo charges for being able to use FrontPage which limits how much I can really do. It is just too time consuming to use html.  Anyway, put up a few updates but nothing really new.  As soon as we have some extra money, I will pay for the yearly maintenance, but bills are killing me right now so it will have to wait.  We'll try again in six months.

04/11/01: Well just when I felt it is time to put the page into support mode, I get a few requests, an award and an email from one of my favorite former shipmates.  If any of you former shipmates remember Ramiro De La Rosa (AKA: Del), he is alive and well and not far from El Centro.  Anyway, Del signed the guestbook, so you can email him if you like.  I just added The Flag Guy's Flag Page to the Links Page.  It is definitely worth a visit. The Military.com Distinguished Site was awarded to this page last week.  To see it, go to the bottom of the home page.

As I have stated before, the new job is really sucking the life out of me and I really don't have the time to do much with this page.  The page is pretty much going into life support mode.  I will still check my emails and keep the site alive, however, I will be shutting down the page on the NBCI server because of all of the problems I have had with them(server not found errors, contantly changing my adminstrative rights, deleting my email address, etc).  The NBCI address will now forward to the Geocities server (The page you are now on!).  I seriously doubt that I will do much of anything  unless a request of some type is made (links added, photos uploaded, Etc).  

03/14/01: Well, the good news is we made it here and the new job is going great.  The bad news is that this new job is sucking the life out of me and I really don't have the anymore time to do much with this page.  So I have decided that I will fix every link on this page to what is valid and what is not and update it over the next weekend.  After that, the page is going to go into life support mode for the most part.  I will still check my emails and keep both pages alive since that are both listed on all of the search engines, but it is going to be a long while before I do anything drastic unless something big comes along (what is big? I have no idea, maybe some type of reunion if enough people commit, however, no one really likes to think back to their MAWD days, it appears!).  

The bottom line is that in 1997, my wife talked me into this and I have no regrets.  I had a lot of fun doing this for the last four years.  If someone wishes to take over the page and continue to update it with articles and history, and stats, feel free to contact me.  I would love to see that page carry on, but I have no more time for it.  BZ to all that contributed to the page and good luck to all former MAWD members as well as SFMU members with your current and future endevours.   If you have a question regarding MATKWEPSDET, just send an email and I would be more than happy to answer it.

Best Regards,

Steven A. Greenstein 

11/30/00: I finally got back online and updated and fixed most of the pages, but am now going offline for a couple of months because of my pending relocation to Boca Raton, FL.in Jaruary.  Goodbye So. Cal, goodbye smog, hellooooo humidity!!!!  I will not be able to receive emails until around February so I will catch up with everyone around then.  The latest email address is posted on the page and will remain active during my absence.  See you all on the flipside!

02/07/00:  Added the VMA(AW)-121 Home Page to the Squadron's Page, re-inserted Darryl Shaw's Naval Air Home Page at it's new address and added Bluejacket.com to the Links Page.

02/05/00: Well I finally found a home page for NAF El Centro.  It even has The Sandpaper Online!  Check it out all of you former MAWD Squad Members!  I know I have not done much with the page, but there has just not been much information to put out.  If any of the Strike Fight Detachment Personnel want me to post something, I have no problem doing that.  Until next time.....

10/22/99: In an attempt to clean up the mess that was caused by my Frontpage 98 crash a while back, a directory called web was created that duplicated my root directory.  This was a disaster because all of the hyperlinks on the page wanted to point to this directory which as a duplicate.  I have now tried to get rid of that directory cleaning up all of the hyperlinks including the bad ones.   I am sure I missed some of them so don't hesitate to send me and email telling me of any errors I missed.  Happy browsing!

10/19/99: Ok, I finally get around to adding the Unofficial VA-95 Pages only to find that one is dead and the other is having technical problems, however I added it anyways.  I also made the following changes: Added Official Web Pages for VMFA(AW)-224, VMFA(AW)-332 and VMFA(AW)-533 as well as changed   the link from Current or Past Station to MCAS Beaufort including the MCAS Beaufort Link.  I killed the VFA-34 Page link as it is now dead as well as Cecil Field's Web page with the shutdown of the base and all MCAS Tustin and El Toro links have been now moved to MCAS Miramar for that exact same reason. I also added "Boomer" to the VA-165 Call Sign list thanks to David Velasquez, so Thanks David!   This should bring me up to date with the exception of fixing the link to Mr. Muller's page which I will try to do before the end of next month.  As always, If you have any updates or changes you would like me to make, let me know!  Remember that this is your page, I just administrate it!  It was great to see some new names in the MAWD Guestbook.   It had been pretty dead for a while there and the hits have picked up in the last month.  I assume that this is due to word getting around that the page was being updated again.  Anyway, unless I am back sooner, have a Happy Halloween and Turkey Day!  

9/21/99: Fixed open link in the Intruder Web Ring. More links to be fixed and added by the first or second week of October.  My apologies to the Intruder Web Ring.

8/22/99: Ok,  here we go!  I have updated the squadrons page in a few ways.  First, I dropped the concept of listing only the former bases where the squadrons were located.  Instead, if a squadron is still active as a VFA or VMFA(AW) squadron, I list it's current home base. An example would be VMFA-242 was stationed at MCAS Cherry Point as an Intruder Squadron, but is now located at MCAS Miramar as a Hornet Squadron, so the latter is listed.  I added links to the official home pages of VMFA(AW)-121, VMFA(AW)-225 and VMFA(AW)-242 as well as their current squadron emblem/patch with thumbnails included.   I may go back latter and add a second line to include the Vagabond patch that I had now that I have replaced it with the Vikings patch.   I also cleared up the last column as the Unofficial Home Page column and cleaned it up.  I removed the text stating there were unofficial home pages for the VFA-34 Blue Blasters and the VA-85 Black Falcons since they have been offline for more than a year.  I have recently found the former VA-95 Green Lizard Unofficial Home Pages at their new address.  I will update these links next month. I have also changed the links that used to reflect as MCAS El Toro to MCAS Miramar since the BRAC closure is now complete on MCAS El Toro.   On the Links Page, I have removed "A6 Country", "Capt Bill's Page" and "Darryl Shaw's tribute the the East and West Coast Intruder Squadrons" which are all pages that have gone offline.  I will really miss Darryl's Page as it was the first page I went to when I researched photography for the Intruder.  Darryl provided me with my first photo for this web page.  It looks like he decided to end the page after four years of posting his photos on it, so good luck Darryl!  I also added a small story on the Passdown Log about the Hornet's relocation to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA.    As always, don't hesitate to drop me an email about a correction or more information for this page.  I plan to keep this page going in the memory of the Intruder and the personnel of MATKWEPSDET so history can be passed on to others.   Until next month.....

08/21/99: Here is the real deal. In April, my Windows NT hard disk crashed.  Basically getting checksum errors, I tried to recover but the hard drive was damaged beyond repair.  Luckily the only thing of any value to me on this disk was my archived files from the MATKWEPSDET Web site.  I installed a new disk and reinstalled front page, but was unable to get the files to download from the web through frontpage.  After months of getting pissed off, I used FTP to download the files to my hard disk and then uploaded them into frontpage.  This ultimately worked and now we are back online.   Look for a new update before the end August 1999 with an updated squadron page with new or updated links for most squadrons!  This page is absolutely not dead and is always looking for information in regards to the page.   Please send me any articles or submission (ie: photos, drawings, links, etc) to my email address at either dee_steve@yahoo.com or matkwepsdet@xoommail.com. 

02/19/99: Another quick update.  Thanks to Aaron Ellison for call sign information on VA-36 and VA-55.  As stated on the cover page, this page is now in a sustainment mode.  I really have no more input with the exception of finally getting around to putting in the establishment/disestablishment of the Intruder Squadrons on the Squadrons Page.  I am still more than willing to add Intruder or Aviation Related links.  If I missed you, please let me know.  Still no update from the links that were brought down last update.  No other links have gone down to my knowledge.  The first two of the VFA Squadrons relocating to NAS Oceana has occured.  More information once the Blue Blasters come home.

12/11/98: Well, another quick update.  Due to the requirements at my place of employment, it seems that the December main update will get pushed to January.   I did a quick update on the Squadrons Page to correct some links.  It seems that there are a few of the Fleet Squadron Home pages that have fallen by the wayside.   I hope they come back.  I have temporarily disabled the following links: The Unofficial VFA-34 Page (This page may come back.  He was away on the Ike for the last six months and just arrived home.  I am sure they just cancelled his page due to lack of activity.  I hope to see it return), The VA-95 Green Lizards Page #1 (I do not know the status of this page) and The VA-95 Green Lizard Page #2 (He said he was being transferred to Hawaii and was going to maintain the page there.  I do not know why it has gone down.).  The links have been saved for retention.  If they come back on-line (and I will check them from time to time), I will reinstate them on the page.  I really hate to leave a dead link up because it is misleading.  The NAS Oceana Page is back up.  I did not receive a reason from the PAO officer as to why it was down for two weeks. NAS Oceana did receive the first of two VFA Squadrons this week.  VFA-131 and 137 I believe.  Nothing else to report at this time.  The page has been kind of dead lately (probably due to a lack of updates or new info)  We passed 2200 visitors for the past one and a half years! Not bad for a small little detachment page from El Centro.  I still get an occasional email saying that someone liked the site. Please don't forget to sign the Muster Log if you were in either MATKWEPSDET or SFMU.  If you were not in either, than sign the general guest book!   I wish all, very happy holiday and a new year.  Y2K, here we come! Until next time........

11/22/98: Another quick update.  In return of a favor, I have added The Military Network to the Links page.  I was added to their page also.  I also added the MATKWEPSDET Comments Page, which is a bulletin board for adding comments and messages to shipmates.  I added the Call Sign of Viceroy to VA-52 on the squadrons page. Thanks to Bob Gibson, a former Knightrider.  I also made some spelling corrections (I keep forgetting the "K" in MATKWEPSDET!).  I recently noticed that the NAS Oceana Web page is down.  I do not know the reason for this, but I assume that the page is being updated to include the new VFA squadrons that start arriving next month. I guess I will have to go through the withdrawals of having no weekly Jet Observer to read!   I hope everyone has a happy turkey day!  The December Update is still on schedule.

11/07/98: Well, I had some time on my hands so I caught up on some info sent in my you all.  That's right Jeff, you family made it to the Photo Gallery for all to see!  I also updated credit for the VA-75/195 photo. Special thanks to Bill Watkins for that info.  On the squadrons page, I have added the official VAQ-128 and VFA-115 links under current status.  I was unable to trace any links to home pages for the active marine squadrons, so if you know the URL, let me know.  I also added the call signs for VMA(aw)-121 and 242. Thanks to John Ackerman for that information.   I also have added Tom Prescott's VA-176 page that just recently moved from AOL to Geocities.  A very nice page.  I recommend you check it out.  I have noticed that we have a few former members that have signed the new muster log.  Way to go people!  I look forward to hearing from more of you.  I still plan to do another update in December which will include moving former MATKWEPSDET shipmates that signed the old guest book in to the new muster guest book. (Time Permitting).  My company is getting ready to move to a new building and I am kind of in the thick of it, so if I do not get it done in December, maybe early January.  Until next time...

10/24/98: Ok, the new muster log is completed.  Get your name listed so other shipmates can find you.  I also fixed the counter by going with another provider.  Yeah, I know it has advertisements, but what I can expect for free?!!  The BeSeen.COM one, somehow died and don't ask me why.  I also fixed some hyperlinks and have re-applied in all of the search engines which should be fixed in a couple of weeks.  I am emailing most of the A6 links for update the link to my new site.  Again, I will be keeping the old site up for about another three months, then I will probably kill it and convert it to a new web page for my kid.  Don't forget to email me those stories and photos for the page.  It was your idea and now it is available and at your disposal.  I am still looking for someone to eventually take over the page.  The time I have available to work on the page is very little.  I will make my next update probably around the end of the year.  I will email all that sign either the Muster log or the Guest book.  See you in December!  Have a happy turkey day!

10/19/98: Well, it is finally completed.  I know there are still some problems with the new format and I will address them as I have time.  By the way, THANK GOD, the photo cube is dead!  I gave it a decent burial in my recycle bin!   Please email me if you find any kind of issue with the new page.  I tested most of it out and I am sure that some misspelling exist and I know the formatting really stinks.  As I get more familiar with Front Page, I will improve the page.   That's all for now. 

10/5/98 Added Add Archer to the bottom of the home page and removed the bottom Link Exchange. Sorry for the lack of updates. Seems impossible to work on the page anymore. I am willing to hand it off to someone who has more time to work on it than I do. Maybe even work together or something. I have noticed that certain links are no longer in use any longer. I have updated the VA-145 Page and put A6 Country(Also known as The Pridelands) in the Unavailable category. I added the VA-95 Page, The Cutting Edge, Carrier Aviation News and The NAS Oceana Page. I am trying to get more information about The Pridelands and will report if find anything out. I do know that he was transferring to Pensacola for flight training and that New Mexico State University may have cleared out his site since he moved on.

8/6/98 Added the MAWD Patch finally! Thanks to Jeff Muller for the Patch (And his persistence to get me to post it)! Work is hell right now, so I have had no time to work on the page. I will be taking vacation on the 20th through the 30th of this month, so maybe I can get it done then! I have put no time into the Framed Version after the hard drive crash (too disheartened). I am really glad to see some more of my fellow shipmates checking in! A great idea was posted to add a page for current photo, or past photos of fellow shipmates. I plan to work on that before anything else. It is a great idea! Anyway, more to come soon so keep checking in monthly for an update or two. Regards, Steve

05/09/98: Added page to the Intruder Ring! Have decided to do second page with frames. Watch for it in the next couple of weeks. Still waiting for pictures from Mikey!

05/07/98: Added the Photo Cube to the Home Page along with a VA-42 Picture. Will be adding some new links in the very near future, so watch for them.

04/27/98: Added the VA-176 Page to the Links Page. Update the "About Me" page with current information. Sorry about the delay in updating this page. Since Pardon My Intrusion is up and running and it pretty much covers what my new page idea was based on, I have decided to upgrade this page. Since buying the new house is really taking up our time, I hope to get started on it in late May. Please send any ideas to my email address below. Happy reading!

03/08/98: I have not had any time to work on the page since the last update. I am adding the VA-95 Green Lizard Page to the Links Page as per Thomas Tye's request. I do not know when I will be able to finish the page. I did reach my friend Mike about the photographs for the page and they are being sent to me at his convenience. Check back for updates....

01/08/98: The new page is proceeding well, I decided against using frames. I predict around the end of January due to a busy work schedule. I added The VA-36 Roadrunners Page and Pardon My Intrusion to the links page. They are both great sites and worth visiting. Check back at the end of the month for the latest scoop. Regards, Steve

12/26/97: As previously mentioned, the Unofficial Medium Attack Weapons Detachment Page will begin the new year with a new look. It will be a framed page with more details and stories and possibly a bit more technical information. The MATKWEPDET PAGE will still try to maintain the history of the Detachment in the Low Desert of Southeastern California. The biggest change will be that I have now confirmed the decision to move the page from Geocities to WWW.XOOM.COM due to the fact that they give 5mb of free space, but mostly because of Geocities decision to make it so that if you are a member of the GeoRewards programs, they automatically launch an additional browser window every time you hit the home page. I posted this page for people to read, and have kept the advertising to a minimum, but Geocities has decided to go this route, and I have decided to post my page on a site with less emphasis on advertising. An occasional banner is fine by me, but covering up the page with another browser windows seems just a bit too distracting. I know that I could quit GeoRewards, but then I am limiting the exposure of the page and XOOM has a better program to give this page more balance between exposure and advertising.

I have decided to keep this page alive for 90 days after the completion of the new look page being posted. The old page here on Geocities will be renamed to "The Former MAWD Page" and it will refer you to the new page when you choose the "Click Here to Enter the Site". I may keep it up longer until I am sure that all of the search engines and Links on other pages have been updated. I hope everyone had a happy holiday and a great new year and I thank each and every one of you for the feedback this year in helping me build this page.

Best Regards,

Steven A. Greenstein and Family.

12/03/98: Added VX-5 Vampires Name to the squadron page. Created VA-42 Aircraft Page just for the fun of it. I thought people might remember a particular aircraft. Anyone remember Ghost Plane 530? Watch for the new look after the first of the year! I still need the MAWD Patch. If anyone has one, scan it and send it to me! Also need VA-606 Information still. I also want to thank all of the former Golden Intruders for visiting the page. Welcome aboard.

11/30/97: Thanks to Rick Radigan of VA-205, I finally am able to post the names and decommissioning dates for VA-205 and VA-304. Decommissioning dates for all of the squadrons are soon to be added. Also in the work will be a new look for the page. I plan to release it after the beginning of the year so look out for it! I am only missing only three pieces of information for the squadron page, VA-606 Name and Patch, MAWD's Patch and China Lake's Squadron Name. Please inform me if you know of any of these pieces of information or where I can get it.

11/21/97: Finally got a scanner! Posted pictures of the family on my profile page. OK Mikey Laverenchik, If you find this page, you need to send me some of your great carrier photography for me to show off for you! Still trying to get myself posted on Yahoo, but I think they don't like me! Might make some changes next month. I will keep everyone posted. A "Thank you" to all of you EX-MAWD SQUADER's for checking in and signing the Guestbook! Same to all of the EX-DESERT-RATS of VA-174 DET! It is always good to hear from you all! Pass the word!

10/13/97: Fixed errors in the Squadron Page and corrected errors on the Table of Contents link to the MAWD Mission Page. Heavy workload has prevented me from adding anything to the page. Hang loose and I will enhance it when I get some free time.

9/4/97: Well, I updated the squadrons page and added the All Weather Attack Page to the Links page and added the "Riders on the Storm" Wave file. Update of Marine Squadron location and names thanks to Steve from the All Weather Attack Page. Also Kudos to Steve for catching my misspelling of "Detachment" (See, I can spell it right!)

8/28/97: I am currently debating on starting a Attack Squadron Four-Two Page. Since it was the Navy's first Intruder Squadron, I thought the Green Pawns deserved the credit. My problem is a lack of information. The Green Pawns were around a long time and it will be a big effort. To start this, I would like to locate some photos of VA-42 aircraft.
If you have something, let me know. I am also debating on starting a muster for former MAWD Personnel on this page, however at the moment, I only have had three other shipmates contact me through the guestbook. So if you were in MATKWEPSDET, cut me an email or leave a message in the guestbook! If I get enough, I will start a muster listing and post it on the site! I would like to hear from you all and it could be a good contact point for a possible reunion at a later date.

7/31/97: Update in MATKWEPSDET since it's disestablishment thanks to Chief John Geren(USN-RET)of MAWD and Strike Fighter Maintenance Unit Pacific Fleet.

7/15/97: Yes, I am still waiting on one of my fellow shipmates to provide me with some pics from our time in VA-42. So hang on and keep on checking and as soon as I get em', I will post em'!

7/03/97: I want to thank Wayne Price of the Unofficial VFA-34 Page for providing me with some useful information. I have added Wayne's Unofficial VFA-34 Page to the Links Page.

6/19/97: It seems when it comes to A6 photography, Darryl Shaw is the man! I just wanted to thank him for his help in giving this site a little color. I have added Darryl's A6 Tribute page to the Links page.

5/10/97: Ok, here it is! Boy is it ugly! Don't worry, I will keep trying to improve the page. This is my first shot at a web page. Yeah, I know that it sucks under internet explorer, but I hate IE3 anyway! Anyway, the MAWD Page is born. Please do not hesitate to drop any comments or leave a message in the guestbook for me. Hope you all enjoy it!

As always I welcome comments and advice on this page. Even Insults! (Keep the cruelty to a minimum!) This is my first web page after all.

You can email me at matkwepsdet@xoommail.com