Charlie Caldwell - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

Vietnam War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Vietnam War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US NAVY CDR Vietnam Charlie Caldwell was born on March 28, 1933, and began his remarkable naval career on Friday February 13, 1953. After graduating from Abbeville High School in Louisiana in 1951, he was pursuing his studies at LSU, majoring in business and law. However, his life took a different course when he received a letter inviting him to join the Naval Cadet (NAVCAD) program. His journey started in Pensacola, FL, on May 15, 1953, at ground school. After completing ground school, Charlie embarked on his primary flight training in September in Milton, Florida. During this phase, he flew Beechcraft T-6 trainers for half of the day and engaged in classroom instruction for the other half. His training then progressed to Basic Flight School, where he honed his formation and aerobatic skills, commonly known as “dog fighting.” In early 1954, he advanced to learn gunnery skills and the art of aircraft carrier landings, conducted on the training carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26). By March, his training encompassed instrument and night flight. On August 28, 1954, Charlie achieved the prestigious designation of Naval Aviator and was commissioned as an Ensign. Ensign Caldwell’s first assignment was with Patrol Squadron Four Five (VP-45), based in Coco Solo, Panama, where he flew the P5M-2 Martin seaplanes. He also served as a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida for three years. Although he was initially assigned to the USS Constellation (CVN-64) pre-commissioning crew, a ship fire delayed her launch, leading to Charlie’s reassignment to the USS Hornet (CVS-12). On the Hornet, he made history as the Navy’s first Carrier Air Traffic Control Officer, earning two Battle “E” awards during his tenure. Subsequently, he flew with Patrol Squadron One (VP1) in Whidbey Island, Washington, before receiving orders to attend the Navy Postgraduate School. Despite his status as a NAVCAD aviator without a degree, he dedicated himself to his studies, attending class seven days a week throughout the year and completing his degree in two years. Charlie’s career continued to rise as he was promoted to Commander while serving at VT-31 flight school, teaching instrument flight and carrier qualification. Later, he received orders to Kodiak, Alaska, as a member of the Alaska Sea Frontier command staff. His final tour in the Navy was as the base Executive Officer (XO) of Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. After two decades of dedicated service, Charlie Caldwell retired on June 1, 1973. 
 Following his retirement, Charlie settled in Alpine, California, where he ventured into the world of business. He owned an advertising firm for many years and eventually retired in 2019. His story is a testament to a life of service, dedication, and achievement.
Charlie Caldwell - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US NAVY CDR Vietnam Charlie Caldwell was born on March 28, 1933, and began his remarkable naval career on Friday February 13, 1953. After graduating from Abbeville High School in Louisiana in 1951, he was pursuing his studies at LSU, majoring in business and law. However, his life took a different course when he received a letter inviting him to join the Naval Cadet (NAVCAD) program. His journey started in Pensacola, FL, on May 15, 1953, at ground school. After completing ground school, Charlie embarked on his primary flight training in September in Milton, Florida. During this phase, he flew Beechcraft T-6 trainers for half of the day and engaged in classroom instruction for the other half. His training then progressed to Basic Flight School, where he honed his formation and aerobatic skills, commonly known as “dog fighting.” In early 1954, he advanced to learn gunnery skills and the art of aircraft carrier landings, conducted on the training carrier USS Monterey (CVL-26). By March, his training encompassed instrument and night flight. On August 28, 1954, Charlie achieved the prestigious designation of Naval Aviator and was commissioned as an Ensign. Ensign Caldwell’s first assignment was with Patrol Squadron Four Five (VP-45), based in Coco Solo, Panama, where he flew the P5M-2 Martin seaplanes. He also served as a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida for three years. Although he was initially assigned to the USS Constellation (CVN-64) pre-commissioning crew, a ship fire delayed her launch, leading to Charlie’s reassignment to the USS Hornet (CVS-12). On the Hornet, he made history as the Navy’s first Carrier Air Traffic Control Officer, earning two Battle “E” awards during his tenure. Subsequently, he flew with Patrol Squadron One (VP1) in Whidbey Island, Washington, before receiving orders to attend the Navy Postgraduate School. Despite his status as a NAVCAD aviator without a degree, he dedicated himself to his studies, attending class seven days a week throughout the year and completing his degree in two years. Charlie’s career continued to rise as he was promoted to Commander while serving at VT-31 flight school, teaching instrument flight and carrier qualification. Later, he received orders to Kodiak, Alaska, as a member of the Alaska Sea Frontier command staff. His final tour in the Navy was as the base Executive Officer (XO) of Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas. After two decades of dedicated service, Charlie Caldwell retired on June 1, 1973. 
 Following his retirement, Charlie settled in Alpine, California, where he ventured into the world of business. He owned an advertising firm for many years and eventually retired in 2019. His story is a testament to a life of service, dedication, and achievement.