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History VFP-907 HistoryHistory

Circa 1946

HistoryHISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron Nineteen was originally commissioned as VFP-907 in 1946 as a reserve unit. The squadron was activated during the Korean Conflict, and deployed to Japan in PB4Y-2s. During these hostilities the squadron earned the nick name "BIG RED", as a result of night flare dropping missions. In 1953 the squadron was redesignated VP-19, and transitioned to the P2V5 Neptune's. Ten years later the command again transitioned -- this time to the P3A Orion-- and moved from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Moffett Field, California. During a 1968 deployment to Japan, the command flew over 8000 hours in WESTPAC in support of Viet Nam operations and the USS Pueblo crisis. After returning home in August 1968, the command was awarded all major awards for a Pacific Fleet Patrol Squadron: Battle Efficiency "E", the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for ASW excellence, and the CNO Maintenance Trophy. In May of 1975 the squadron command transitioned to the P3C Update I, the first VPRON to receive the most modern version of the superb aircraft. Promptly after transition VP-19 participated in Valiant Heritage the largest Pacific Fleet readiness exercise in a decade. From May of 1976 until February 1977, VP-19 conducted split deployment operations out of NAS Adak, Alaska. HIghlights of this deployment included highly successful AWS operations, 20 medical evacuations and numerous SAR missions. While at Moffett Field following the deployment, VP-19 again received the Battle "E" Award for the period 1 January 1976 to 30 June 1977. The squadron completed its first WESTPAC deployment in the P3C-Update I to Okanawa Japan. VP-19 was named the winner of the CNO Maintenance Award for January 1976 to December 1977. VP-19 has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during Operation "Frequent Wind" and four Meritorious Unit Commendations in the 1967 to 1977..." Contributed by Todd Brown AXCS USN Ret gslts@netscape.net [Updated E-Mail 28OCT98]


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