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HistoryVP-11 HistoryHistory

Circa 1997

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Proud Pegasus retired after 44 years' service - Sea Power, Sep 1997..." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3738/is_199709/ai_n8779642 [27MAR2005]

The same ceremony that hailed the establishment of VQ-11 (see preceding) also served as the occasion to say farewell to NAS Brunswick, Maine-based Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11), "Proud Pegasus," which was officially disestablished after 44 years of active service. VP-11 had been reduced to cadre status in late 1996, transferring its aircraft and most of its personnel to other commands. The demise of VP-11 reduces the number of active Navy patrol squadrons to 12, half the number in the fleet only six years ago.

Carrying on the traditions of an earlier VP-11 of WWII fame, VP-11 was established on 15 May 1953 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island; the squadron moved to NAS Brunswick, Maine in 1954, and traded its P4Y-2 Privateer patrol planes for Lockheed-built SP2H Neptune patrol planes. During the Cold War, VP-11 deployed to various sites in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, tracking Soviet and other foreign submarines and ships. In 1966, the squadron upgraded to the Lockheed P-3B Orion patrol plane, the aircraft with which it operated in a maritime surveillance role off Vietnam.

Proud Pegasus upgraded to the P-3C Update II.5 version in 1982, and to the Update III version in 1995. VP-11 later became the first patrol squadron to be armed with the Maverick air-to-surface missile, with which it patrolled the Adriatic Sea in 1993 in support of the embargo against the warring factions in the former Yugoslavia. More recently, VP-11 participated in airborne intercepts of drug traffickers. During its final deploymentto NAS Sigonella, Sicily, in 1996-VP-11 employed electro-optic sensors overland in Bosnia to help NATO commanders enforce the peace accords, and over Liberia to support the evacuation of U.S. citizens from the civil war in that country.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-11 PictureVP-11 History "...Circa 1997: During a ceremony held Saturday, August 2, NAS Brunswick, Maine says "hello" to the "Bandits" of Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ELEVEN, the base's newest squadron when two crewmen unveiled the squadron logo for all to see. The squadron's first commanding officer is Cdr. Alan LaBeouf...It was also a sad day for NASB when the base said farewell to the "Proud Pegasus" of VP-11. Commander David Williams, the last Commanding Officer of VP-11 lowered the squadron commissioning pennant to mark the formal disestablishment of the squadron. During the ceremony, held in Hangar ONE, guest speaker Admiral John R. Ryan, Commander of Maritime Patrol Aviation forcer in the Mediterranean and a former commanding officer of Patrol Squadron ELEVEN discussed the distinguished history of VP-11 and the bright future of Navy P-3 aviation..." "The Patroller VOL.30, NO.30" Contributed by Ed Zawacki ezawacki@gwi.net

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "02AUG97--As part of standing down VP-11 on 2 Aug 97, the Navy will be standing up a new squadron to be called "VQ-11." They are homebased in NAS Brunswick, Maine. They are a small, reserve squadron that flies the EP-3J. Most immediately, they are a splinter group off of VP-66 at Willow Grove, PA. Before that, they were, I believe, VAQ-33 down in Key West, FL..."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "02AUG97--A ceremony to formally disestablish VP-11 will be held Saturday, 2 Aug 97 on board NAS Brunswick, Maine. In its 50 years of existence, it was once before disestablished just after WWII. The squadron ended its recent service employing specialized P-3C (UIII) aircraft overland in Bosnia and Liberia. In its final year, the Sailors and Aircrews flew the Pegasus Tailfeathers from bases on five continents, spanning from Santiago, Chile to Thule, Greenland, throughout the Mediterranean and to the Cape of Good Hope at Cape Town, South Africa. Their overland exploits of the 90s earned them the Meritorious Unit Commendation and mirrored the exploits of their courageous predecessors who earned the Presidential Unit Citation for their combat exploits against the Japanese in WWII. Whereas the VP-11 "Black Cats" conducted night bombing by adapting their PBY's, VP-11 was the first P-3C squadron to operationally employ the Maverick Missile (1993: Operation: SHARP GUARD in the Adriatic Sea)..." Contributed by CDR Dave Williams dwilliams@lsijax.com


Circa 1996

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lockheed P-3C BuNo 158934 when it was attached to VP-11. The pictures were taken at NAS Brunswick, Maine and it had to be the summer of 1996. Nose art on her at the time read "The Last Ride" as the squadron was soon to stand down. I believe this was the only aircraft still assigned..." Contributed by Beau E. Gros f4phan2@roadrunner.com [07JAN2011]

LEFT to RIGHT:

    Under a typical Maine airshow sky: overcast!
    Close up of the nose and nose art (for the modelers at VPNavy). The nose art is only on one side of the aircraft.
    loser of the nose art under the TACCO station
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VP AircraftAIRCRAFT: P3 ThumbnailCameraVP-11 P-3 BUNO: 161329 "...Microsoft Flight Simulator..." Contributed by AT Kevin Malloy and forwarded by HOLLICK, Thomas C. thollick@yahoo.com [30APR2004]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "00MAY96--SIGONELLA, Sicily - (NENS) -- In response to the recent hostilities between rival ethnic factions in Liberia, two aircraft from Patrol Squadron Eleven (VP-11) of Brunswick, Maine, were detached to Dakar, Senegal, for 16 days in support of Operation Assured Response. Flying modified P-3C Orion aircraft, VP-11 was tasked to provide overhead tactical reconnaissance and surveillance and communications relay for the evacuation of Americans and foreign nationals from the U.S. Embassy in the Liberian capital of Monrovia. Responding rapidly to the formation of Joint Task Force Assured Response (JTF-AR), the two VP-11 aircraft left their deployed base in Sigonella, Sicily, and flew to Dakar April 8. The detachment, one of the first JTF-AR units on site in Dakar, consisted of two 11-member aircrews, 14 maintenance personnel and four members of the Mobile Operations Communication Center (MOCC) from Tactical Support Center, Sigonella. The MOCC personnel were later flown to Lungi Airport on the outskirts of Sierra Leone's capital of Freetown, where they were collocated with the Commander of JTF-AR. Once on deck in Dakar, the base of operations for most of the JTF-AR units, VP-11 personnel immediately coordinated with members of the U.S. Air Force 352nd Special Operations Group and units from 14 separate Air Force commands. "The key to the detachment's incredible success was the Navy's ability to rapidly integrate with the Air Force," said Avionics Armament Division Officer, LT Dennis Hayden. VP-11 became deeply involved in planning for the protection of 450 Americans in Monrovia and the subsequent evacuation of Americans and foreign nationals. Squadron personnel worked alongside Air Force planners on mission planning, intelligence gathering, aircraft maintenance, logistics and airfield management. From their base in Dakar, VP-11 aircrews began flying daily missions over Monrovia April 9. Meanwhile, fighting between warring factions in Monrovia intensified. Fifteen thousand civilians fled the violence and jammed into the compound of the U.S. Embassy annex. As JTF-AR received the order to begin evacuating personnel from the capital, Air Force MH-53J helicopters began around-the-clock evacuation flights to Monrovia from their temporary base in Freetown. As the operation unfolded and the helicopters cycled to and from Monrovia for days, a VP-11 P-3 was overhead monitoring the landing zone and maintaining constant communication with American military personnel inside the embassy. The P-3 served to clear the landing zone of any hostile activity for the approaching helicopters and ensure the safe evacuation of the beleaguered civilians. The aircraft also served as an airborne communication link between JTF-AR commanders in Freetown, the evacuation helicopters and U.S. Embassy. Overall the P-3s and JTF-AR forces contributed to the successful evacuation of more than 2,000 foreign nationals and 436 American citizens. As the operation escalated and the demand for P-3 support increased, the VP-11 detachment grew to 65 personnel. "It was really special being part of an operation that directly affected American lives." ATAN Jason Garic said. The last VP-11 aircraft and crew returned to Sigonella April 25. Ordnance Branch Officer, LT Jon Beckman said, "We were proud to take part in the most worthwhile mission we can remember and showcase the versatility of the P-3 and its ability to respond anytime, anywhere rapidly..." Chris Michel cmichel@mba1998.hbs.edu


Circa 1995

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Award - November - December 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/nd95.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Awards, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/so95.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Awards, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/ja95.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Records and Awards - Naval Aviation News - March - April 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/ma95.pdf [12NOV2004]

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Circa 1994

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - November - December 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/nd94.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/so94.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Awards, Major Deployments, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/ja94.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Change-Of-Command, Disestablishment, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - January - February 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/jf94.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "RibbonOPNAVNOTE 1650...VP-11 (17JUN94 - 17DEC94) AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION" http://www.navy.mil/homepages/bupers/uniform/muc.txt


Circa 1993

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - November - December 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/nd93.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Records, History, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - May - June 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/mj93.pdf [12NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "12MAY93--NNS368. Quick Action by Sigonella Sailors Saves Two Lives NAS Sigonella, Sicily (NNS) -- The quick action of two sailors from Patrol Squadron Eleven's (VP-11) Combat Aircrew Eight (CAC-8) saved the lives of two Lebanese women who nearly drowned while swimming in the Red Sea May 1. While on detachment to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the crew decided to visit the beach at a Red Sea resort in northern Jeddah. Shortly after arriving, the crew heard screams from two Lebanese women who had drifted out into the sea and were being pulled farther out by an extremely strong undercurrent. Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator 2nd Class Barry Austin, a search and rescue trained swimmer, dove into the water and began swimming out to the women while LT Tom Kolp ran down to a nearby jetty and tossed a life ring with a tow line toward the women. One at a time, Austin towed the women against the current until the life ring could be retrieved. Kolp then towed the women to shore. The women were both uninjured. "It was a combination of factors that caused the situation," said Austin. "Poor conditions with the breaking waves, and a treacherous current and weak swimmers." Story by VP-11 Public Affairs..." http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/news/navnews/nns93/nns93036.txt


Circa 1992

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Safe Flying, Change-Of-Command, and Rescues - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/nd92.pdf [11NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Patrol Aviation In The Pacific In WWII - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News Magazine "...Squadron Deployments, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Disestablishment, etc. - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]

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Circa 1991

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY:  History ThumbnailCameraID: DNST9205564 "...Crewmen direct a P-3 Orion anti-submarine aircraft of Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11) into position for take-off during a New England snow storm. Location: NAVAL AIR STATION, BRUNSWICK, MAINE (ME) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA). Camera Operator: PH1 UHDE Date Shot: 3 Dec 1991..." WebSite: Defense Visual Information Center http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/ [03FEB2006]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September-October 1991 "...Desert Shield/Storm - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/so91.pdf [24OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May-June 1991 "...History - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/mj91.pdf [24OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July-August 1991 "...1990 Patrol Squadron Major Deployments - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/ja91.pdf [23OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-11 was the first and only squadron to win that AVCM Donald M. Neal Aircraft Maintenance Award 4 CONSECUTIVE YEARS IN A ROW? I believe it was from 91-94 or 92-95. After we won the 4th award, Lockheed retired the original trophy (not the plaque) to VP-11..." Contributed by NUYEN, AT1 (AW/NAC) Jim jnuyen@ptd.net [10MAR98]


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