A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Sigonella aircraft aids in rescue of African refugees near Malta - By Jason Chudy, Stars and Stripes - European edition, Thursday, April 15, 2004..." WebSite: Stars and Stips http://www.stripes.com/ [15SEP2008]

The crew of a P-3 Orion patrol aircraft deployed to Sigonella, Sicily, recently aided in the rescue of 39 African refugees packed into an overloaded, 18-foot-long rubber boat in the Mediterranean Sea about 70 miles south of Malta.

The 35 Eritreans and four Ethiopeans used a satellite telephone to make a distress call from the boat late Thursday night. The signal was picked up by Maltese authorities, who started to search for the boat and contacted Italian and U.S. military forces for help.

The Navy Orion and an ATL3 Atlantique of the Italian air force's 41st Stormo — or squadron — joined the search early Friday morning.

The Orion and its 11-member crew, attached to VP-26 of Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, spent 8˝ hours searching for the boat, which was located early that afternoon.

With their aircraft low on fuel, the crew dropped a search-and-rescue kit with two life rafts and survival gear to the refugees, then directed Armed Forces Malta Patrol Boat P-51 to the scene before returning to Sigonella.

"We've rehearsed doing this but have never gotten to do it," said mission commander Lt. Cmdr. Chip Barnes. "Overall, it's a rare occasion to push the SAR kit out the door."

According to the Malta Times, the P-51 escorted the boat to a maritime base on the island nation. The 34 men, three women and two children were reported by Maltese authorities to be in good health.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Mission Planning and Hangar Flying - by Lt. Christopher M. Barnes/P-3C - Lt. Barnes flies with VP-26..." Naval Safety Center WebSite: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/vault/articles/2004/0638.htm [04JUN2005]

As part of my flight training and upgrading process my instructors consistently harped on the importance of both mission planning and hangar or "chair" flying but, I never fully grasped their importance until my crew experienced an in-flight malfunction during a mission in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. Some argue hangar flying is unnecessary once you are in the groove or when the missions seem relatively straightforward; however, the cornerstone of mission planning and hangar flying is to prepare you for whatever Murphy's Law might have in store. Though NATOPS provides the proven standards for handling malfunctions through emergency procedures, it also makes allowances "for sound judgment and decision-making to account for operational contingencies and considerations when our mission affects the lives of others." This is where hangar flying comes into play.

After three months deployed to the Mediterranean Theater my crew received short-fused orders to reposition to the Fifth Fleet Area of Responsibility. Frantically, we mission planned for our upcoming detachment, employing hangar flying scenarios and drawing on the experience of others and the Commander's Guidance for insight. In less than two months, we would find ourselves drawing tools from this mission planning toolbox over hostile territory.

Tasked to conduct an overnight mission in support of Coalition Forces, my crew mission planned for the event several hours before takeoff, reviewing possible scenarios and malfunctions we might encounter during the flight. Night flying was nothing new but, my crew was far from seasoned on the mission and additional preparation was a must. The mission went off without a hitch until just prior to our off-station when, under a blanket of darkness, our Flight Engineer called out, "Oil Pressure Light on the #4 engine". We immediately checked the oil gauges and noticed: power section oil pressure at zero, reduction gearbox oil pressure at 30 PSI and fluctuating, oil temperature decreasing and no change in oil quantity. The first thing I recalled was our NATOPS verbiage regarding oil pressure malfunctions: "if out of limits, execute the Emergency Shutdown Procedure". Since we were about to check off-station and our aircraft weight was light enough to maintain sufficient altitude above our assigned hard deck, I ordered, "E-Handle #4 engine, HRD not required, Emergency Shutdown Checklist, 1010 TIT on the three operating engines". The copilot began to coordinate a descent with the controllers and I focused on maintaining sufficient airspeed to keep us above the hard deck. The off-duty pilot and flight engineer quickly reviewed NATOPS and calculated stall speed and 3-Engine SHP requirements for each engine in case we had to perform counter threat maneuvers.

With the emergency shutdown checklist complete and the aircraft in a controllable state, I faced a safety-of-flight decision. Do we stay above the hard deck and transit home at 190 knots or descend below the hard deck to gain more airspeed in case we have to evade? Descending would place the aircraft and crew inside the threat envelope and therefore at a greater risk. Fortunately, precious little time was wasted since my crew had discussed just such a scenario in a hangar flying session prior to the mission. Without delay I made the decision to remain at altitude. The fact that our crew performed a hangar flying scenario in advance and that the timing of our malfunction occurred just prior to off-station made me reasonably comfortable with my decision.

My personal experience proves the need for hangar flying, no matter what your platform. P-3C flight station communications and coordination have the potential to become hectic during the conduct of an emergency procedure. Having a plan in place that everyone has discussed in advance alleviates confusion and minimizes mistakes. Hangar flying gives you a relaxed environment that facilitates discussion amongst the crew and gives you an opportunity to obtain answers to questions about your mission without time and asset constraints. I encourage all aviators to conduct thorough mission planning and hangar flying-being prepared for whatever Murphy might throw at you will facilitate efficiency and effectiveness in the decision making process during times of stress and will enable your crews to fly safer and with increased confidence.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040416-N-5821W-005 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (Apr. 16, 2004) "...Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Justin Donohue, assigned to Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), shows Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions a sensor station inside one of the squadron's P-3C Orion aircraft. Senator Sessions and Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss visited NAS Sigonella to tour the base and meet with Sailors. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Stephen P. Weaver. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=13417 [04MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040409-N-4179T-001 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (Apr. 9, 2004) "...VP-26 Aids in Rescue Near Malta - Story Number: NNS040409-11 - Release Date: 4/9/2004 12:33:00 PM - By Journalist 3rd Class Stephen P. Weaver, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12748 [23MAR2005]

Combat Aircrew 4 assigned to Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26) pose for a photo following a successful Search and Rescue (SAR) mission off the coast of Malta. About 40 refugees were rescued after the VP-26 aircrew vectored in a Maltese Coast Guard boat to aid in the rescue. The "Tridents" of VP-26 are currently deployed to NAS Sigonella from Brunswick, Maine. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean. U.S. Navy Photo. (RELEASED)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella aided in the search and rescue of about 40 people in the Mediterranean April 9.

The black rubber boat, which was said to be packed full of refugees, began taking on water about 65 miles south of the island of Malta. A person aboard the boat with a cell phone called in for assistance and was in communication with the Rescue Coordination Center in Malta.

A VP-26 P-3C Orion Search and Rescue (SAR) Ready crew received the call at 1:45 a.m. April 9 about the situation and took off at 5:30 a.m. An ATL3 Atlantique assigned to the Italian Air Force 41st Stormo also received the call to aid in the search and rescue.

"Someone from the boat used their cell phone and frequently would call the rescue coordination center on Malta to relay information to us and to the Italian plane," said. Lt. Cmdr. Chip Barnes, mission commander. "We took off and split up the area with the Italian aircraft."

At about eight and a half hours into the flight, VP-26 Combat Air Crew 4, the "Plug Uglies," spotted the boat adrift in the Med. "When we found them they were bailing water," said Barnes. "From then on, we were just talking to the rescue center, trying to vector in a Maltese Coast Guard boat to find them."

"They were very happy when they saw us," said Lt. Colby Morgan, plane commander. "They were waving their arms. They were very packed into that little boat."

The rescue boat was 45 minutes away at this point, and the P-3 was getting low on fuel. "We had one more fly-by left, so we decided, based on the overloaded condition of the boat and the fact they were bailing water, to drop the search-and-rescue kit," said Barnes. The search-and-rescue kit consists of two life rafts and a survival kit. This was the first time in a few years a VP-26 crew has dropped a kit such as this.

The boat crew's initial situation was unclear. "We don't know if maybe they were in another boat that sank, but the boat they were in ran out of gas," said Morgan.

The members aboard were taken to safety by the Maltese Coast Guard. "The rescue center called on our way back and said their rescue craft had picked them up," said Lt. Jason Romero, a pilot aboard. "[The Rescue Coordination Center] thanked us and wished us a happy Easter."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040308-N-3983C-005 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (Mar. 8, 2004) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Nelson Ramos directs a P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26) as it is towed to a parking spot on the NAS Sigonella flight line. The "Tridents" of VP-26 are currently deployed to NAS Sigonella from Brunswick, Maine. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Betsi Currence. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=12605 [04MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040218-N-8228R-023 Sigonella, Sicily (Feb. 18, 2004) "...An Italian military police officer stands watch as another searches for possible threats to Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) inspection teams boarding a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), during Exercise Air Brake 04, a multi-lateral aviation interdiction training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea area. The exercise, led by Italy, is part of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a collaborative effort to take active measures against trafficking in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The P-3C aircraft and crew assigned to VP-26 are participating in the exercise, along with French and Italian assets, to improve interdiction capabilities and interoperability among the eleven PSI nations. VP-26 is currently deployed to Sigonella, Sicily in support of Commander Task Force 67 (CTF 67), Sixth Fleet, and European Command operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John Roark. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=12007 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040218-N-8228R-020 Sigonella, Sicily (Feb. 18, 2004) "...An Italian military police officer boards a U.S Navy P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), to ensure the area is safe for the Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) team to search the aircraft for simulated Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD, during Exercise Air Brake 04, a multi-lateral aviation interdiction training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea area. The exercise, led by Italy, is part of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) a collaborative effort to take active measures against trafficking in WMD. The P-3C aircraft and crew assigned to VP-26 are participating in the exercise, along with French and Italian assets, to improve interdiction capabilities and interoperability among the eleven PSI nations. VP-26 is currently deployed to Sigonella, Sicily in support of Commander Task Force 67 (CTF 67), Sixth Fleet, and European Command operations. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John Roark. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=12006 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040218-N-8228R-006 Mediterranean Sea (Feb. 18, 2004) "...An Italian Air Force F-16 fighter intercepts a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), during Exercise Air Brake 04, a multi-lateral aviation interdiction training exercise in the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise, led by Italy, is part of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a collaborative effort to take active measures against trafficking in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The P-3C patrol aircraft and crew assigned to VP- 26 are participating in the exercise, along with French and Italian assets, to improve interdiction capabilities and interoperability among the eleven PSI nations. VP-26 is currently deployed to Sigonella, Sicily, in support of Commander Task Force Six Seven (CTF 67), Sixth Fleet, and European Command operations. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class John Roark. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=12005 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 040619-N-5821W-007 Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (Jun. 19, 2004) "...Oscar winning actor/producer Michael Douglas descends a ladder after his visit aboard a P-3C Orion assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26,). Douglas, star of movies such as "The American President" and "Wall Street," visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella to meet, sign autographs and pose for photos with Sailors and their family members before appearing at the Taormina Film Festival in Taormina, Sicily. VP-26 is currently deployed to NAS Sigonella, and is based in Brunswick, Maine. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Stephen P. Weaver (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=15235 [03MAR2005]

Circa 2003

A BIT OF HISTORY: "..."Was that a Bald Eagle?" - by ADCS (AW/NAC) Kevin Smith/ P-3C - ADCS (AW/NAC) Kevin Smith is attached to Patrol Squadron 26..." Naval Safety Center WebSite: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/vault/articles/2003/0607.htm [04JUN2005]

I was scheduled to fly an early morning event as the Instructor Flight Engineer on a pilot check flight. The weather was overcast, 4500 ft ceilings with rain showers expected later that afternoon. Another typical summer day in the "Great State of Maine."

Preflight went without a hitch and we were airborne on time. ATIS reported moderate bird activity just as it had every day this summer, so we discussed the importance of keeping a good VFR scan for birds. There was no traffic in the bounce pattern and it looked like a great day for flying.

All of our work was primarily in the landing pattern conducting multiple simulated 3 engine, 2 engine, and no flap landings. A simple flight for the up-grading pilot, but one that would prove to be a first for all of us.

During our normal landings we noticed birds around the approach end of the runway, but they were remaining clear of the traffic pattern. The grass had recently been mowed, andthe smaller birds were busy catching their meals in the short grass.

Finished with the flight, the student pilot set up for a full stop landing from the right seat. As we rolled short final at 400 ft AGL with flaps at approach, I scanned outside just in time to spot a very large bird right in front of us at the same altitude! I called out the traffic and the Plane Commander (Instructor) took the controls in an attempt to avoid a collision. It was too late, and we hit the bird on our starboard side. We felt and heard a noticeable thump, followed by secondaries on the #4 engine. The shaft horsepower fluxed into the negative range, and the turbine inlet temperature increased by 60-80 degrees C. RPM remained stable and the engine continued to operate. I called these indications out and the Plane Commander made an approach flap full stop landing. I continued to call out engine indications until we came to a full stop. We secured the engine after clearing the runway and taxied back to our line. The entire evolution took no more than two minutes from strike to shut down.

On post flight, the #4 intake was filled with bird remains. It was completely wrapped around the inlet guide vanes. Fortunately, there was no appreciable damage and after engine cleaning the plane was returned to service. Post flight analysis by the base environmental office revealed we struck an Osprey.

Lessons learned:

Scan. Keep your scan moving inside and out. Even if you have good scan practices set up; do not let your guard down.

Surroundings. Get familiar with the birds in your local operating area. We struck an Osprey with a wingspan of approximately 3 feet. Other birds in the area are seagulls, pigeons, crows, hawks, and various types of jays. Know when it is prime feeding time.

Bottom line, expect the unexpected, and have a plan at all times when flying. It is a recipe for success.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "30OCT2003...VP-26 hosts POW/MIA ceremony - By:NC1 (AW/SW) Steven L. Rothert and AM1 (AW) Daniel B. Wagner, Photo by PHAN Jared W. Thurber, VP-26..." WebSite: The Dolphin http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=10426675&BRD=1659&PAG=461&dept_id=8103&rfi=6 [03DEC2005]

Spotlight

NAS Brunswick, Maine - Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26) commemorated the missing crew of "HB 7" in a solemn POW/MIA ceremony Sept. 19.

Following an old maritime tradition, PN1 Corbett struck a ship's bell once as CMDCM (AW/SW/NAC) Aaron Shipley, VP-26 command master chief, read the name of each missing crewmember. A small table, set with symbols of grief and a solitary empty chair, represented missing crewmembers.

Retired Cmdr. Bob Fant honored the squadron as the guest speaker.

Fant received his wings in 1965 as a Naval Flight Officer and was assigned to VP-26. Following his tour at VP-26, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 102 aboard USS America (CV-66). While serving aboard the America in the Gulf of Tonkin, he was shot down in July of 1968 during his 52nd combat mission. The North Vietnamese immediately captured him and held him captive for four years and eight months, before finally releasing him in March 1973. Fant enriched each Sailor's perspective of the words "support and defend" and "true faith and allegiance" through his own accounts and experiences. The details of his survival as a prisoner of war became a tribute to those of those who didn't return.

AM2 (AW) Daniel Bogacki said of the ceremony, "It really revealed a new perspective of what some of our shipmates had to endure to protect my freedom."

"His experience brought home to me the reality of war," added YN3 (AW) Leandra Fernandez, "and the important role that the family plays in the emotional survival of a POW. If I were captured, it would be thoughts of my immediate family that would give me faith to endure."

On April 8, 1950, a VP-26 plane, a PB4Y-2 designated HB 7, took off from Wiesbaden Air Base, West Germany. Their primary mission was to record and analyze the signals of Soviet radars and electronic equipment. At 5:39 p.m., the "Privateer" was intercepted by four Soviet "La-11" fighters while flying over the Baltic Sea, south of Liepaja, Latvia. Encircling HB 7, the two lead fighters rocked their wings and turned to the left, signaling the Privateer to follow them back to Latvia. Hoping to evade the Soviet fighters, HB 7 turned sharply to the right and initiated a descent into the clouds. The Soviet group leader reacted by firing a warning burst parallel to the Privateer. Claiming the U.S. plane had returned fire, the Soviets again targeted the PB4Y-2, striking a fatal blow and sending the burning aircraft into a dense cloud layer below. This incident caused the crew of four officers and six enlisted men to become the first casualties of the Cold War.

On April 9, 1951, one year and a day after the incident, the U.S. government declared all 10 men "presumed dead" and posthumously awarded them the Distinguished Flying Cross. Fifty-three years later, the entire crew remains missing and now carries the status of "unaccounted for."

Today, on the Baltic coast, a limestone monument exists in memory of the missing crew. Standing atop the monument is a bronze statue of a mother shielding her eyes in vain, as she gazes towards the sea in an effort to find her missing Sailors. She has patiently waited for over 53 years for the story to be told, and for her brave sons' sacrifice to be recognized.

In the concluding moments of the ceremony, representatives of the VP-26 First Class Petty Officers' Association presented framed artwork to Cmdr. Mathew J. Carter, VP 26 commanding officer. The artwork, created from charcoal rubbings of the HB 7 crewmembers' names etched into the Latvian Memorial, is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices of our fallen patriots. The memorial is displayed on Team "Trident's" quarterdeck.

Those lost were: Lt. John H. Fette, USNR; Lt. Howard W. Seeschaf; Lt. j.g. Robert D. Reynolds; Ensign Tommy L. Burgess; AD1 Joe H. Danens; AD1 Jack W. Thomas; AE1 Frank L. Beckman; CT3 Edward J. Purcell; AT3 Joseph N. Rinnier and AT3 Joseph J. Bourassa.

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-26 History "08JAN2003...030108-N-7171K-003 Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland (Jan. 8, 2003) -- Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Casey Demarse uses a fire hose to wash down the wing of a P-3C "Orion" assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), during an aircraft wash down in one of the Naval Station hangar facilities. Aircraft are washed every 28 days as part of preventative maintenance and corrosion control schedule. VP-26 is currently on deployment providing maritime reconnaissance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Catherine R. Kee. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-26 History "08JAN2003...030108-N-7171K-005 Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland (Jan. 8, 2003) -- Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Casey Demarse scrubs the wing of a P-3 "Orion" assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), during an aircraft wash down in one of the Naval Station hangar facilities. Aircraft are washed every 28 days as part of preventative maintenance and corrosion control schedule. VP-26 is currently on deployment providing maritime reconnaissance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Catherine R. Kee. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-26 History "08JAN2003...030108-N-7171K-001 Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland (Jan. 8, 2003) -- Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Micheal Olver cleans the tire rims on a P-3C "Orion" assigned to the "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron Two Six (VP-26), during an aircraft wash down in one of the Naval Station hangar facilities. Aircraft are washed every 28 days as part of preventative maintenance and corrosion control schedule. VP-26 is currently on deployment providing maritime reconnaissance in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Catherine R. Kee. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "27JAN2003...VP-26 Celebrates Successful Deployment - Story Number: NNS030127-18 - Release Date: 1/27/2003 4:14:00 PM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5545..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

VP-26 Celebrates Successful Deployment
Story Number: NNS030127-18
Release Date: 1/27/2003 4:14:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class Landon Mason, Naval Air Station Keflavik Public Affairs

KEFLAVIK, Iceland (NNS) -- After obtaining $1.08 billion in drug seizures, logging more than 4,500 flight hours and collecting 17,000 toys for children in Ecuador on a six-month deployment, the Sailors of Fleet Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 are getting ready to head home.

For the deployment, one VP-26 detachment traveled to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (NSRR), while the main body of the squadron deployed to Keflavík, Iceland.

"Between us and the rest of the squadron, we've flown over the Mediterranean, Caribbean, El Salvador and South America," said Lt. j.g. Carolyn Holloway, a pilot with VP-26. "It's been an interesting challenge."

Between missions, the Sailors of VP-26 participated in the NSRR Adopt-a-Grade program and worked to give some families in Ecuador a Merry Christmas.

"Along with the 17,000 toys, we provided 800 outfits for families and 25 car packages, which included toys, diapers, washcloths, bed linens and the like, for students at the Institute of Special Education in Manta, Ecuador, and also for families visiting their children at the pediatric ward at one of the hospitals in Ecuador," Holloway said.

While many of the Sailors say they had a great time, going home is a beautiful thing.

"I had a great time down here," said Yeoman Seaman Abel Espinal. "I learned a lot about my job and about myself. Now I'm just anxious to get home and see my family."

VP-26 will return home to Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, in February. VP-5 from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., will relieve them.

---

Circa 2002

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Team 'Trident' surpasses 40-year Safety Milestone By LTjg Chris Barnes - August 22nd, 2002...http://www.flagshipnews.com/archives_2002/aug222002_20.shtml..." [19JUN2003]

The "Tridents" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 have been setting the standard in aviation safety for a long time and the Federal Aviation Administration recognized VP-26 as the safest organization throughout the entire spectrum of military and civilian aviation. On Aug. 8, team Trident surpassed a 40-year milestone for mishap free flying, having flown more than 290,000 hours without a "Class A" mishap.

The beginning of each safety record can be traced back to a single incident. For VP-26, that incident occurred with the loss of a P2E Neptune to a fire and explosion during a ground maintenance turn Aug. 4, 1962. The causal factor listed in the safety report is "the main primer line of the impeller section was improperly connected." Fortunately, no deaths or injuries resulted.

The squadron's safety record is based on the training and skill of flight crews, and equally, on the professionalism and vigilance of ground crews who maintain the aircraft. When Cmdr. Sean Buck became the commanding officer of VP-26 in March, his first goal during the inter-deployment training cycle was to "conduct ground and flight operations safely." From the front office to the most junior airman, a vigilant safety culture thrives in VP-26, allowing Team Trident to execute their plan flawlessly and uphold their long-standing tradition of "safety first" operations.

Sustaining this safety legacy requires constant attention to detail, "by the book" maintenance practices, and strict adherence to procedures. The safety record of VP-26 is the direct result of the diligence of more than 5,300 current and former Tridents, who "did it right the first time" and took appropriate action each time something did not "look right," according to Buck.

VP-26's safety program remains the epitome of a proactive aviation safety program. Safety-related issues are thoroughly evaluated and regularly re-examined by the enlisted safety committee and officer safety council. Safety is not confined to the hangar. Tridents take their "safety first" mind set and reapply it each day in their work centers and at their homes. Safety training has been integrated into each work center's training syllabus.

Knowledge gained through the training "pipeline" and at other commands is validated in accordance with current published standards. Published procedures are subjected to rigorous operational readiness management based scrutiny to discover mishap potential and to initiate corrective action. The use of standardized briefs prior to all aircraft moves and ground engine turns as well as preflight operational risk management checklists allow air crew to assess increased mishap vulnerability and to be proactive in their prevention. VP-26's Maintenance Department implemented ORM checklists at the maintenance control and individual work center level, further strengthening each link in the command safety chain.

Every member of VP-26, past and present, takes tremendous pride in their long-standing safety records. Their pride carries over in their excellence in the aircraft and on the ground. Congratulations to all the hard-working men and women of VP-26 for a job very well done.

---

Circa 2001

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Technician goes above and beyond - March 1, 2001..." WebSite: DC Military - Tester http://www.dcmilitary.com/navy/tester/6_09/local_news/5331-1.html [12DEC2005]

"We support the fleet." It's a motto that most of us take for granted. Not so for AT1(AW/NAC) Allen Claflin of Naval Force Aircraft Test Squadron Orion Test Team Anti-surface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP) Projects Office.

Claflin is currently accompanying VP-26, homeport NAS Brunswick, Maine, on its six-month deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily. Recent fleet manpower shortages in the in-flight technician community required VP-26 to send out the call for volunteers to assist them on their operational deployment cycle this year.

Cmdr. Robert Adrion, VP-26's commanding officer, welcomes Claflin with open arms. "His in-depth knowledge of AIP systems will bring a lot to the fight during our deployment to the Mediterranean area of responsibility," Adrion said.

Claflin is quoted as saying "Having a Force representative on deployment with an operational squadron is a win-win for us at Force, the deploying squadron and the fleet. We at the AIP Program office will be able to gather raw data on how our AIP equipment is performing under operational conditions."

The Anti-surface Warfare Improvement Program is the latest in avionics improvements for the venerable P-3 Orion. The communications, surveillance and data handling capability of AIP allows the P-3 to better integrate with other air, ground and surface units. Many of these systems have already been used in support of various missions around the globe. Currently, VP-26 is performing traditional maritime fleet support in the Adriatic and Mediterranean as well as supporting operations Joint Guardian over Kosovo and Determined Forge over Bosnia, all with "AIP Onboard."

In the months to come, Claflin will be flying with VP-26's Combat Aircrew 11. Having done a previous Mediterranean deployment with the "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 in 1998-99 and returning again in 1999 to augment VP-10 during the Kosovo Air Campaign, Claflin not only brings operational experience, but also a wealth of knowledge and technical ability in dealing with the latest in AIP systems. During his current assignment to the AIP Projects Office, Claflin has worked on some of the latest in avionics technology as well as assisting with the testing and delivery of AIP production aircraft to a number of fleet squadrons.

(Submitted by Force)

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Remembering three aircrews - Wings of Gold, Spring 2001 by Wagner, Daniel..." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3834/is_200104/ai_n8946441 [28MAR2005]

At VP-26's March 2001 change of command, departing CO, CDR Robert Adrion,recognized three lost Trident aircrews with a mural on a hangar wall featuring three diamonds (see photo). The first of the crews honored was lost in April 1950 in a PB5Y which launched from Wiesbaden AB, West Germany on a "Ferret" reconnaissance flight over the Baltic Sea. Intercepted by four Soviet La-11 fighters off the coast of Latvia the PB4Y refused the Soviet's "follow me" commands and was shot down, becoming the first publicized shoot-down of the Cold War. Some aircrewmembers survived the crash. Subsequent reports indicated they were incarcerated by the Soviets but their fate remains uncertain and today Russia contends no Americans are currently being held against their will within the borders of the former Soviet Union.

Shortly after midnight on February 6th, 1968 a VP-26 P-3B was lost off the South Vietnam coast while on a "Market Time patrol mission. There were no survivors. Two months later, on April 1st, 1968, in the same vicinity, a second P-3B came under .50 caliber fire. The number four engine was knocked out and a fire started. Attempts to extinguish the fire failed and being too low to bail out, the crew tried to make it to an airfield 20 miles away. Within sight of the runwway, the starboard wing tore off between the number three and number four engine and the aircraft tumbled into the sea. There were no survivors.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-26 tridents in Latvia - Wings of Gold, Summer 2001 by Jamiola, Don, Wagner, Daniel..." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3834/is_200107/ai_n8995447 [28MAR2005]

Fleet Squadron Report

The wind was blowing gently from the sea, and in the distance, the sound of waves crashing and church bells ringing could be heard as 23 Sailors in dress blues stood proudly at attention on the shore of the Baltic Sea. Their executive officer laid a wreath of yellow flowers at the base of a tall memorial dedicated to 10 fellow shipmates, aircrewmen from VP-26 who had taken off on a routine surveillance mission over 51 years ago, never to return.

On April 8th, 1950, a four-engine VP-26 PB4Y-2 Privateer designated "HB7" launched from Wiesbaden Air Base, West Germany. At 1724 hrs, four La-11 fighters took off from a small airfield in Soviet occupied Latvia. The fighters intercepted the Privateer at 1739 hrs, 8km south of Liepaja, Latvia, at just over 12,000 feet above the Baltic. Bracketing HB7, the two lead aircraft rocked their wings and turned to the left, signaling the Privateer to follow them to Latvia. Hoping to escape the Soviet fighters the American plane turned sharply to the right and descended toward clouds. The two trailing fighters opened fire on the Privateer, sending it burning into the sea.

SAR efforts started almost immediately after the plane was reported missing and continued for eight days. Even with 26 aircraft searching over 60,000 square miles of the Baltic Sea, no survivors or remains were recovered. The crew of four officers and six enlisted were thus presumed dead, the first casualties of the Cold War. All were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Latvia declared its independence in 1991. In the spirit of good will, the citizens of Liepaja and sailors from the Latvian Navy unveiled a memorial bronze plaque honoring those aircrewmen lost many years before. It is inscribed with the names of VP-26's Privateer crew and was placed on the Latvian monument which is dedicated to all sailors and fishermen lost at sea.

VP-26 was deployed to NAS Sigonella, Sicily when members learned of the memorial and became interested in visiting it. AM1 Wagner, the squadron's primary researcher of the 1950 incident, was a key player. Plans for the trip developed, involving Latvian citizens, the Latvian Navy, and especially the US. Embassy. Consequently, VP-26's Combat Aircrew Two and selected personnel flew to Riga, Latvia for the visit from April 7-9, 2001.

The group traveled by bus to Liepaja, a coastal town near the site of the shootdown. Dr. James Connell and RADM (Ret.) Boris Novyy of the U.S.-- Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAs, journeyed with VP-26 for the ceremony and informed the Tridents the investigation into the missing aircrewmen is ongoing. The memorial was breathtaking and the 51st anniversary ceremony inspiring.

The monument stands over 30 feet tall and is topped with a bronze statue of a woman peering out over the Baltic Sea, eternally searching for lost mariners. A large local crowd gathered for the event. Remarks included those by the Latvian Navy CNO, RADM Zeibolts, and CDR Sean Buck, VP-26 XO, who placed a large wreath of yellow carnations at the center of other bouquets. The wreath was augmented by two ribbons, one inscribed with "In memory of lost Tridents," and the other stating "Team Trident. Once a Trident, always a Trident." Other VP-26 squadron members proceeded one at a time to the monument, placing a single yellow rose at the base of the monument and saluting sharply. Squadron plaques were then presented to the citizens of Liepaja and the Latvian Navy in gratitude for their participation in honoring the lost Navy men.

VP-26's visit to the Latvian memorial will serve as a reminder to present and future Tridents of the importance in remembering and honoring those who went before them in the line of duty.

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-26 History "...The chief petty officers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 donned old uniforms to represent the early P-3 Navy as a farewell present for their commanding officer. Photo by PH2(NAC) Lynn Friant..." WebSite: ALL HANDS - October 2001 http://www.mediacen.navy.mil/pubs/allhands/oct01/pg1.htm [22FEB2003]

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"VP-26 History Summary Page"

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