When HMM-263 (otherwise known as Peach Bush) came into country  two or three weeks prior to Christmas of 1968, some of the "Purple Foxes" were assigned to fly with them so their guys could get checked out, otherwise known as Introduction to Combat Flying 101.  Also, HMM-364's aircraft availability was really bad at that time. When LtCol. Brady assumed command his first and foremost priority was to improve the maintenance procedures and thus increase aircraft availability.  Anyway, after the HMM-263 guys got checked out, the squadron still had pilots flying with them since their aircraft availability was good.

During February '69 a homegrown skit at the O Club one night presented a huge (6 foot tall) hinged, moveable, and "anatomically correct" Purple Fox (built by the HMM-364 Metal Shop) sexually abusing a Chipmunk (or Gopher) the HMM-263 mascot.  The accompanying explanation was "We knew you had something available".  This same evening the Commanding Officer of HMM-263 presented Col. Brady a live goose during the show.  Unfortunately, it is not known what was said by either party in conjunction with the presentation.  It is factual however that shortly after Col. Brady got the goose and was sitting there holding it in his lap, it crapped all over him.  The goose became a squadron pet and would follow Col. Brady all around the squadron area and flight line.

Now it was known that "Goose Brady" was an obnoxious bird who truly knew the powers of rank.  Squadron members have vivid memories of Col. Brady walking out to his aircraft with the goose close behind.  He would light off, taxi out and the bird would  flap his wings and generally carry on and then walk back to the maintenance hanger.  Each chopper to come back got an investigative charge but the goose retreated quickly if Col. Brady was not there.  When the Skipper did come in the bird would fuss and  flap and charge the chopper.  Col. Brady would be seen walking back to the ready room with the bird nipping at his heals and he and the bird in some deep discussion.  Unfortunately, we again are not aware of the content of those private discussions.

The Squadron had also acquired a pig, some chickens, and a couple of dogs (one belonged to Lt. Skibinski).  One day, the new Wing Commander was touring the Squadron areas of MAG-16.  As he drove past the flight line, the goose, pig, chickens, and dogs (No one seems to remember who was chasing whom) ran in front of the General's jeep, across the flight line, and back around the hangar.  Once again, we are not privy to Col. Brady's explanation to the general, but he later passed the word that the animals needed to be penned up so they wouldn't go running around the flight line.

As to the demise of the goose, some of the guys found it with its head chopped off which adds to the cloak and dagger events of those times.  The exact identity of the perpetrators of this hideous crime were never proven.  However, some of the squadron members suspected the Peach Bush Marines.  Others believed the culprits to have been the motor transport people of MABS-16, and there was a rumor that their doggy disappeared for the crime.  It's probably a good thing the squadron never got any proof, because a lot of the "Purple Foxes" were really upset over it and would have probably been involved in some serious retribution with the killer(s).

Submitted by:
    Larry W. "Slick" Britton, LtCol. USMC(Ret)
    Tom Nequette, former Capt. USMCR
    Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez, former Cpl. USMC