Grampaw Pettibone Squadron Overview

Who We Are

The Grampaw Pettibone Squadron is a non-profit organization (IRS Sect. 501(C)(4) which, through meetings, discussions, speaker programs, and periodic field trips, serves to educate squadron members and the general public on the requirements of an adequate national defense, especially maritime aviation, which is essential to a free society, and to support the military professionals (active and reserve) responsible for many aspects of national defense. GPS also seeks to foster the strong pride, esprit, and fraternal bonds which exist among those associated with Naval Aviation

  • Gramps Monthly Luncheon Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each Month and Feature a Variety of Guest Speakers and Topics.
  • Hangar doors open at 1130, Luncheon is at 1200, secure at 1330
  • $18.00 for RSVP before 10am on the Monday prior to the Meeting
  • $20.00 for RSVP made thereafter or at the luncheon
  • Email or Phone in RSVP – 562-287-4846 – Speak Slowly & Clearly
  • GARDEN GROVE ELKS LODGE (11551 Trask Ave., Garden Grove, 92843)

 

Brief Overview of the ANA GRAMPAW PETTIBONE SQUADRON, INC

  • Started in 1970 as aviators’ luncheon group at NAVSTA Long Beach, soon gaining approval to use name of Robert Osborne’s aviation safety cartoon caricature “Grampaw Pettibone”.
  • In 1975 joined newly formed Association of Naval Aviation as ANA’s first squadron on the West Coast.
  • Largest ANA squadron for many years; spun off the Two Block Fox Squadron (San Fernando Valley) in early ‘80’s and the Desert Storm Squadron (Palm Springs) in early ‘90’s.  Still among the top group of ANA’s 67 squadrons in total membership.
  • As bases dwindled, GPS moved from NAVSTA Long Beach to NAS Los Alamitos, to MCAS Tustin, to MCAS El Toro, and then several years at NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach.
  • GPS benefitted from great command support from each in the form of office space, inclusion in command activities (invitations to ceremonies and events, etc.) and in recognition of the ANA mission.
  • GPS contributed to the host base, with major examples (on now closed bases):
  • Promotional ANA/GPS booths at MCAS El Toro air shows and MCAS Tustin open houses, sharing proceeds from aviation memorabilia sales with the base’s MWR fund.
  • Re-carpeted the MCAS Tustin Enlisted Club – GPS’s way of welcoming the troops home from Desert Storm (and in a tight budget year for the Tustin C.O.).
  • Supporting the active duty Navy, GPS has, since early 1999, recognized NAVWPNSTA Seal Beach Junior and Senior Sailors of the Quarter and Year by presenting each with a GPS Certificate of Achievement and a monetary gift.  From 1996 through 2004 GPS carried out a similar recognition program with the USS KITTY HAWK.
  • GPS hosted ANA’s annual national conventions at Anaheim in 1982 and 1989.
  • Established a GPS chair at the National Museum of Naval Aviation’s IMAX Theater.
  • Dynamic speakers program at monthly luncheons and periodic field trips keep members apprised of naval and other aviation matters, past, current and future, and other national defense issues.
  • Camaraderie among naval aviators, and those interested in naval aviation, is a key element of all GPS programs.  Each is structured to be enjoyable and informative, with 80-100 members typically attending the monthly luncheons (at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge since 1998).
  • Several overnight visits to aircraft carriers (via COD aircraft) were arranged for GPS members in the 1990’s.
  • The GPS web site at contains a wealth of information about the squadron, and each month promulgates the squadron newsletter, the informative full color GPS Op-Plan, with information on future programs as well as past programs and activities.  By request, the Op-Plan can be received by U.S. Mail.
  • GPS incorporated in June 1996, and established an IRS 501(c)(4) tax-exempt status.
  • GPS has no dues, other than to require ANA membership.  Income comes mostly from a monthly raffle and from the continued generosity of members (the “Great Guys” listed monthly in the Op-Plan).
  • GPS membership of 200+ is about 80% retired military (50% Navy, 25% USMC, 5% other service), and 20% civilian (many with past military service).

January 2012