A BIT OF HISTORY: "...New Aircraft Introduced At P-8A Roll-Out Ceremony By Clark Pierce, Editor, Jax Air News - Story Number: NNS120330-12 - Release Date: 3/30/2012 5:41:00 PM..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [01APR2012]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 1,200 distinguished visitors filled the Patrol Squadron 30 hangar at Naval Air Station Jacksonville March 28 to celebrate the first fleet delivery of the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission aircraft.

"In the same year that our maritime patrol and reconnaissance force (MPRF) is celebrating 50 years of service for the P-3 Orion, we're also celebrating the fleet introduction of P-8 Poseidon," said Capt. Mark Stevens, VP-30 commanding officer and master of ceremonies.

In his remarks, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson said, "The P-8 is the future of Navy maritime patrol. It will be a critical component of our maritime security and the fleet's eyes and ears for generations to come. While this aircraft is impressive, the strength of our Navy does not rest with technology alone. The real capability will reside in the men and women who fly and maintain this aircraft. In the hands of our great Sailors, it stands ready to meet the needs of the nation and challenges ahead as we continue to operate forward to reassure allies, deter aggression and when needed, prevail in conflict."

Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work provided keynote remarks. "As the Navy's replacement platform for the P-3C, the P-8A Poseidon is transforming how the Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance force will man, train, operate and deploy. The P-8A is a network enabled aircraft for the network age, and gives Sailors the added benefits of working with manned and unmanned systems," said Work. "The training and readiness concept for the Poseidon was designed around a high fidelity simulator solution to provide cost-wise warfighting readiness. The P-8A Integrated Training Facility includes leading-edge operational flight trainers, which will provide innovative and cutting-edge training for today's warfighter."

During his remarks he highlighted the partnership of the Navy and industrial base, which made this day possible.

"On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, I would like to thank the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community, veterans, industry, and the city of Jacksonville." He added, "thanks and gratitude goes to the City of Jacksonville, which has been such a great host to this base for more than 75 years, and whose citizens embody the values our Sailors fight to protect."

The next phase for Poseidon will be its integration with the unmanned BAMS platform to create a cohesive team that covers an even greater territory.

The next phase for Poseidon will be its integration with the unmanned BAMS platform to create a cohesive team that covers an even greater territory.

"Maritime patrol is the forward indicator of the U.S. presence around the globe," said Work. "MPRF is often the first to respond to natural disasters and provide humanitarian relief. These Sailors embody the CNO's guidance for executing the maritime strategy by demonstrating daily that our Navy is flexible, adaptable and ready to respond globally to preserve the peace. Thank you for allowing me to be part of today's ceremony."

At the conclusion of Work's remarks, Boeing President and CEO of Defense, Space and Security Dennis Muilenburg handed over the "key" for P-8A Poseidon LL 428 to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Rear Adm. Michael Hewitt. He, in turn, gave the key to Stevens who ordered, "Poseidon aircrew and maintenance department, prepare LL 428 for flight operations."

Following the roll out, Work, Brown and Hewitt answered questions from the media.

Work was asked if every P-3 in the Navy would be replaced by the P-8A.

"The P-3 continues to fly after 50 years of service. Only two military aircraft have served longer, the U-2 spy plane and the B-52 bomber. As the P-3C fleet begins to retire aircraft, they will be replaced by a combination of the P-8A and its new partner, the unmanned BAMS (Broad Area Maritime Surveillance)," said Work.

Brown was queried about the importance of Jacksonville's mayor being part of the ceremony.

"This is a historic occasion for our great city and northeast Florida. We've been a military friendly city for a long time and I believe military affairs are an important part of our community. The P-8 shows the benefits of private/public partnerships for the Navy in their development and acquisition process. We're proud to be part of the P-3/P-8 transition and will support it in any way we can," replied Brown

Hewitt fielded the question, "How does this P-8 event help the Navy overall?"

"This is a great day for our maritime patrol and reconnaissance force. We wouldn't be here today without bold leadership from the City of Jacksonville and the creativity of our industry partners. It's also a humbling day in that many MPRF squadrons are actively patrolling oceans and land areas around the world. So while many P-3s are on station protecting American interests, we're proudly rolling out the formidable, new P-8 Poseidon," said Hewitt. "It brings new technology and innovation to bear wherever our country needs us. We're also very proud of our young naval aircrew and maintainers who are bringing this aircraft to life. We know that the platform is new and important -but it's the men and women who fly it that makes it a naval asset to be reckoned with."

After the roll-out event, attendees were invited across the street from VP-30 to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the P-8A Integrated Training Center (ITC). Flight crew and mission specialists are assigned to the ITC where they undertake classroom instruction as well as full-motion, simulated exercises that present the highest degree of realism.

NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Bob Sanders welcomed a large crowd that seemed eager to tour the $38 million training facility.

"Thank you for being part of this history making day at NAS Jacksonville, Florida," said Sanders. "We're proud you could join us and learn about the exciting future taking shape for the P-8A Poseidon within the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 120328-N-ZZ999-001 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 28, 2012) "...Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, left, commander of Naval Air Forces, Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Under Secretary of the Navy Robert O. Work, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, and Rear Adm. Michael W. Hewitt , commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, pose for a photo after a ceremony to formally introduce the P-8A Poseidon into Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Servello/Released)..." WebSite: NAVY.MIL http://www.navy.mil/ [30MAR2012]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Poseidon lands at NAS Jacksonville, Florida for weapons certification Posted: February 8, 2012 - 7:52pm | Updated: February 8, 2012 - 7:53pm - By Clark Pierce Editor. Mentioned: VP-16, VP-30, VX-1 and VX-20..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [12FEB2012]

VX-1 P-3 BUNO: Unknown Photograph Caption: The Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance test aircraft known as "T-5" was filled with pilots, naval flight officers, mission operators and maintainers from squadrons VX-1 and VP-30 when it arrived on Feb. 3 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida from NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft will be part of VP-30's first Conventional Weapons Technical Proficiency Inspection for the P-8A. Photo by Clark Pierce.

A three-day conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection (CWTPI) for VP-30 ordnance personnel supporting the P-8A Poseidon aircraft began Feb. 6 as the "Ordies" pursue their certifications to handle, load and deliver ordnance such as torpedoes, missiles and mines.VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens explained, "VX-1 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland loaned VP-30 their Poseidon T-5 so we can maintain our schedule for conducting our CWTPI over the next three days.

"Our ordnance professionals are shooting for a good score from a team of inspectors from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapon School based here at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Basically, our people will receive their load plans and then go to work loading inert Mark-54 torpedoes in the bomb bay of the P-8," said Stevens.

VP-30 Commanding Officer Photograph Caption: Photo by Clark Pierce - VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens and his wife, Sheila, mingle with the squadron's maintainers who greeted the Feb. 3 arrival of P-8A Poseidon test aircraft "T-5" at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

He added that when the ordnance team was not using the aircraft for CWTPI, there would be training sessions aboard T-5 for maintainers and troubleshooters who are working for their certifications to diagnose, service and repair the P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime aircraft.

The lead weapons training officer is Lt. Cmdr. Jason Parmley from Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group.

ATCS David Wood, of VP-30 maintenance control, said the CWTPI is an important milestone in transitioning to the P-8A platform.

"Since August of last year, we've been training a core group of about 80 maintainers by going on site to the Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington, and following that with additional P-8 training and certifications at VX-1 in NAS Patuxent River, Maryland," said Wood.

"While we have the T-5 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, our core group of P-8 maintainers will also conduct walk-throughs of the aircraft with their VP-30 shipmates who will be part of the transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon," Wood added. "Our goal is to train up and certify all of our VP-30 personnel so – as the Navy's P-8 fleet replacement squadron – we're ready to teach the P-8 to VP-16 beginning this July."

The P-8 is a derivative of the proven Boeing 737.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military/jax-air-news/2012-02-08/story/poseidon-lands-nas-jax-weapons-certification#ixzz1m9ZTElGf

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Prepping for Poseidon - VP-30 To Welcome First Production P-8A in March - By Clark Pierce Editor - Posted: January 18, 2012 - 6:23pm | Updated: January 18, 2012 - 6:25pm. Squadron's Mentioned: VP-5, VP-16, VP-30, VX-1 and VX-20..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [19JAN2012]

Since the Naval Air Systems Command PMA 290 program office awarded Boeing the P-8A contract in 2004, thousands of hours of design, development and testing have been devoted to the P-3 Orion/P-8 Poseidon transition. Eight years later, with testing still underway, the VP-30 "Pro's Nest" is qualifying the instructors who will train the flight, mission and weapon crews when the first production P-8A arrives at a date to be determined in March.

"Every day is critical and puts us one step closer to delivering Poseidon to the fleet," said VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens.

"So far, thanks to the professionals on our fleet integration team, we're on track for initial operational capability in 2013."

Also, the first of 10 operational flight trainer and nine weapons tactics trainer simulators housed in the P-8A Integrated Training Center were recently accepted by VP-30, the Navy's largest fleet replacement squadron (FRS) located at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

"We're in our 'train-the-trainer' period where our initial cadre of 12 pilots, naval flight officers, acoustic and non-acoustic operators are sharpening their operational skills in the new technically advanced flight and mission simulators," said Stevens.

He added, "We've sent about 80 maintainers to train with VX-20 at NAS Patuxent River. They'll have their maintenance 'safe for flight' certification by March when our first P-8 arrives. In fact, the whole team should be certified as 'P-8 proficient' when the VP-16 'War Eagles' show up in July at VP-30 for transition training."

VP-16 is slated to have eight combat aircrews NATOPS-qualified within six months. Concurrently, VP-30 will train additional P-8 instructors, four at a time, so the squadron will be ready to teach its first FRS syllabus students in August.

With only two P-8A aircraft available by July, Stevens said, "Logging the required flight hours for instructors will be challenging. As a result, our first pair of Poseidons will fly about 200 hours per month. By January 2013, we should have six P-8s available – two each for VP-30, VP-16 and VP-5."

The Pro's Nest is currently assigned 17 P-3C Orions – but the numbers of P-3 students and aircraft will start to go down in 2013.

In the meantime, the VP-30 hangar will be modified to accommodate the P-8's higher tail section.

"Until the last P-3 is sent to the boneyard, we'll take the 'one team/one fight' approach for both platforms," said Stevens.

"That means our VP-30 Maintenance Department will service both the P-3 and P-8 in our hangar. Obviously, our new Boeing 737-based Poseidons will require less parts and labor than our 40-year-old Orions."

When the P-3 Orion/P-8 Poseidon transition is complete, VP-30 will be assigned 12 Poseidons. Operational squadrons will be assigned six Poseidons.

Also working with the P-8A fleet integration team is the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School located east of VP-30 on Yorktown Avenue.

"In addition to certifying VP squadrons in ordnance handling and loading for deployment, we teach post-FRS, level 200 through level 500 Weapons Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses," said Officer-in-Charge Cmdr. Mike Granger.

"Our P-8 department has developed advanced readiness training that includes classroom courseware, simulator scenarios and flight events. Our WTIs also worked with VX-1 at NAS Patuxent River to develop the initial ASW ordnance load for P-8, including the new MK 54 lightweight torpedo."

The Navy plans to purchase 108 production P-8A maritime patrol aircraft.

The Poseidon's Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with VP-16 is planned for 2013.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military/jax-air-news/2012-01-18/story/prepping-poseidon#ixzz1jt0M3shR

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Circa 2011

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-30 To Perform In NAS Jacksonville, Florida Air Show By LT(jg) Farin Wilson VP-30 Public Affairs - Posted: November 2, 2011 - 6:14pm..." WebSite: JaxNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [06NOV2011]

Pilots and aircrew from the VP-30 "Pro's Nest" are eagerly preparing for the return of the P-3C Orion as a performer in the NAS Jacksonville "Centennial of Naval Aviation" Air Show Nov. 5 & 6.

The Orion's return marks the first P-3 air show flight in five years at NAS Jacksonville.

VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Stevens said, "Positive feedback from the Centennial of Naval Aviation fly-in that took place here in March at the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Reunion, plus, public demand to see their hometown aircraft, spurred our addition to the list of air show performers."

Three separate crews will fly Friday, Saturday and Sunday. While many volunteered, the final crew members were selected based on merit and experience. The plane they will be exhibiting is a tribute to the Centennial of Naval Aviation with what is known as the "Strawberry 5" paint scheme. This is a replication of one of the paint schemes applied to the PBY-5A Catalina flying boat flown during World War II. Strawberry 5 was flown by VP-44 to locate the Japanese fleet shortly before the Battle of Midway in June 1942.

The VP-30 flight plan is to take off at 10:20 a.m., with the first pass at 10:35. The crews will demonstrate maneuvers that the P-3C Orion uses in combat and support situations. The first pass will be low with one engine shutdown, mimicking flight conditions during submarine tracking. The second pass will have the bomb bay doors open, demonstrating the P-3's ability to deliver armament on station. The third pass will display the Orion's capacity to land on many different types of runways, with a short field landing and reverse demonstration on the runway.

The crews will be available to the public after their respective flights and are looking forward to watching the air show with their families.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On The Leading Edge of Change - VP-30 Skipper Welcomes Orion-Poseidon Transition - August 31, 2011 - 5:32pm - By Clark Pierce Editor..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [03SEP2011]

After two months on the job, VP-30 Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Mark Stevens appears focused and enthusiastic about the changes taking place at the Navy's largest fleet replacement squadron (FRS) located aboard NAS Jacksonville.

"It's my honor to be leading a part of the transition from P-3 to P-8," said Stevens in an Aug. 24 interview.

"My service record leans toward the operational side, so when I completed my FRS instructor tour at VP-30 in 1997 – I never imagined that I'd return to the squadron as CO."

Stevens, a naval flight officer, said now is a great time to be part of the "Pro's Nest" because the imminent transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon is centered at VP-30.

Before accepting his orders to VP-30, Stevens served in the Pentagon as the P-3/P-8 requirements officer for the OPNAV N88 Air Warfare Division.

"My job was to define 'capability sets' that the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) community requires to accomplish its mission. Those requirements are then articulated to NAVAIR where a funding request is developed to include that particular capability in the platform's key performance parameters. From there, it goes to CNO where it may or may not be approved to present to Congress for funding," explained Stevens.

As the P-8 initial operating capability (IOC) approaches in 2013, Stevens and his staff at VP-30 are gearing up to teach both platforms until the MPRF community completes its transition to the Poseidon by 2017.

"The first P-8A transition squadron to be trained at VP-30 will be the VP-16 'War Eagles' beginning in July of 2012. When VP-16 returns from deployment, they'll say goodbye their P-3s and send their combat aircrews and maintainers to the Pro's Nest for six months of P-8 training.

"VP-30 will also begin training replacement P-8 pilots, NFOs and aircrew in August of 2012. So, as our P-8A training ramps up, P-3C training will trim down as the Orions are retired. The key will be maintaining our focus on P-3C and finishing out strong," said Stevens.

The new P-8A Integrated Training Center (ITC), located across Yorktown Ave. from VP-30's hangar, will house classrooms, 10 full-motion operational flight trainers (OFT) for pilots, and nine mission system trainers for aircrew – each with five operator stations.

The P-8A Fleet Introduction Team (FIT) recently moved into the ITC from VP-30. Lt. Cmdr. Joe Opp, officer in charge of the FIT, explained, "After completing commercial B-737 type rating school in Seattle, our FIT pilots are now training in the four P-8 test aircraft assigned to VX-20 at Pax River. The FIT will train VP-16 personnel to assure that the P-8 stays on track to IOC in 2013. The P-8A IOC is defined as one squadron composed of six aircraft with personnel who are trained and certified to deploy."

The VP-30 hangar will house maintenance crews for both P-3 and P-8 aircraft.

"We're in the process of contracting out the maintenance of P-3s so our VP-30 maintainers can go TAD to Boeing for P-8 training. They will then go to NAS Patuxent River for more hands-on maintenance training," said Stevens.

"When VP-16 shows up for training in 2012, we'll have a maintenance team ready to support them. Once the War Eagles become NATOPS qualified, they'll return to Hangar 511 and begin their 12-month IDRC (Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle) to become combat-certified by Wing 11," he added.

Stevens said, "One of my management challenges is assigning instructors – at a time when almost everybody wants to be part of the future and work with the shiny new platform. The fact is, training and safely operating our venerable P-3 Orion is no less important then the P-8 Poseidon. We have a solid experience base with the Orion and I intend to keep that way until the final transition is complete."

He noted, "We recently dug out from the red stripe era when the P-3 fleet was down to 49 aircraft. Today, thanks to the artisans at Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, we're back up to 85 aircraft. The Orion may be old and require a lot of work, but it's still executing the mission without fail."

Stevens answers to two bosses: Chief of Naval Air Training Command Rear Adm.William Sizemore II?(for the production of pilots, NFOs and aircrew); and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG) Rear Adm. Michael Hewitt.

Headquartered in Norfolk, CPRG establishes policy for manning, training and equipping three Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings, 18 operational squadrons, a fleet replacement squadron (VP-30) and subordinate activities.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Navy Units Work Together To Save A Life - April 27, 2011 - 6:47pm - From AIRLANT Public Affairs..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military/ [30APR2011]

Communication and coordination across multiple naval units is being credited for the rescue of a civilian scuba diver who was injured April 14 off the coast of Mayport.

At around 5 p.m., while conducting a standard training mission, a P-3C Orion aircraft from VP-30 heard a distress call from a civilian vessel that had a "drowning diver" aboard.

Mission Commander Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Morrison promptly made the decision to change the focus from training to search and rescue and answered the emergency call. He was able to obtain the distressed ship's latitude and longitude, 25 miles away. Lt. Hamish Kirkland, patrol plane commander, directed the aircraft towards the vessel and used the onboard camera to assess the situation.

They immediately relayed the message to the local Coast Guard station and began coordination with the closest surface ship, USS Simpson (FFG 56), guiding them toward the pleasure craft.

Once overhead, the P-3 crew observed two civilians on the deck of the boat, performing CPR on a third.

Since Simpson did not have any helicopters aboard, a call was made requesting helo support. HSM-40 Commanding Officer Capt. Clay Conley had just launched from NS Mayport when he received the call to assist and quickly proceeded to the location. With no crewmen aboard, he was unable to conduct a rescue; however he was able to coordinate getting other helicopters to the scene.

"When I made the radio call requesting helo support, I received an immediate response from multiple helicopters operating in the area," said Conley. "Since I'd been in direct communication with the P-3, I was able to determine exactly who had the best crew composition to affect a rescue."

He was joined by HSL-60 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael Steffen, who was flying that day and conducting a training mission with multiple air crewmen. Steffen's co-pilot was Lt. Chris Stuart, a reservist and Jacksonville resident who had taken the afternoon off from his job at Allstate Benefits to conduct routine reserve flight training.

"I assumed this would just be another routine training day to help keep the crew's skills proficient," said Stuart.

"Instead, 45 minutes into our training, we had to change gears, going to a real-world rescue scenario. The training we'd received kicked in and we were able to fluidly shift missions in mid-flight and do what we could to help."

After determining the best course of action, Simpson's rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) was launched and sent to the civilian boat to recover the diver.

"This was the quickest I've ever seen a RHIB launched," said Steffen. "That says a lot about the level of training that has been going on on board Simpson."

HM1(FMF) Christopher Tilley, stationed aboard Simpson, was sent over to assess the diver's medical condition.

"When I got on board the boat, he was semi-conscious and had minor disorientation," said Tilley.

"I'd been briefed that he was unconscious at 110 feet, and had been brought back to the surface."

That, along with his condition, caused Tilley to determine that the diver was possibly suffering from decompression sickness, an extremely painful and potentially lethal condition caused by gasses expanding in the blood stream from surfacing too rapidly. He would need to be taken to the nearest decompression chamber as quickly as possible.

"I administered oxygen, and we immediately loaded him onto our RHIB and headed back to the ship," said Tilley.

Within five minutes of the time the RHIB returned, Stuart was able to land his helicopter on Simpson's flight deck, so the crew could load the patient. While this was going on, another helicopter, this one from HSL-44 arrived on station and checked in with Steffen.

"There is a lot that goes on as part of a rescue like this," said Steffen.

"When the HSL-44 helicopter arrived on scene, we were able to divide that effort. This allowed us to focus on treating the patient, and preparing for transport; while they concentrated on the communication and navigation responsibilities."

The HSL-44 pilots, Lt. Russell Coble and Lt. j.g. Mark Kummer determined that Baptist Hospital in Jacksonville would be the best treatment option, due to their available hyperbaric chamber.

They also coordinated ground transportation from NAS Jacksonville to Baptist and assumed navigation responsibilities to put the rescue helo on the most direct route to the air station.

"By taking care of the communications side, that allowed the crew from HSL-60 to focus on taking care of that diver," said Kummer.

"We planned out the shortest route and then flew escort for them, handling the communication with the tower, and ensuring the ambulance was on scene for our arrival."

The patient was transported to the hospital, where he was treated and is recovering. The quick and coordinated efforts by the Navy assets are being credited with possibly saving this diver's life.

Morrison expressed his satisfaction with VP-30's performance.

"This was a total team effort. The aircrew performed well and the hard work of our maintenance professionals gave us the ability to accomplish the mission. I'm glad we could help," he said.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military/jax-air-news/2011-04-27/story/navy-units-work-together-save-life#ixzz1KyT0O8OJ

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Circa 2010

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-30 History "...VP-30 DEFY program wins Fulcrum Shield Award By LT(jg) Dave Mundell - VP-30 Public Affairs - November 3, 2010 - 6:22pm..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [08NOV2010]

VP-30 Commanding Officer Capt. Perry Yaw and AWOC Jeffrey Cobb traveled to the Pentagon Oct. 22 where they were presented the Secretary of Defense Fulcrum Shield award for the achievements of the command's Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program. Ranked against 65 DEFY Programs within the Navy, VP-30 was determined to have the best program overall.

The program was also selected as the best youth-based Drug Demand Reduction program affiliated with a U.S. military service, defense agency, or the National Guard. The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs bestows this award upon the best youth-based program that empowers youth to articulate the anti-drug message to the community and youth peers. The award was presented to Skipper Yaw and Cobb during the DoD Red Ribbon Week ceremony held in the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.

VP-30 has sponsored the Jacksonville-area DEFY program for over 14 years. In the last two years, the program has grown 64 percent and now has 25 volunteer mentors, eight junior mentors and teaches more than 100 children ages of 9-12. This beneficial program is provided at no cost to the families.

The DEFY program consists of two phases: phase one is a 6-day/5-night leadership camp in the summer. Phase two is a continuous 10-month mentoring program conducted during the school year. The DEFY program develops youth through drug education, leadership and character development, as well as positive role model mentoring and community outreach to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

DEFY adult mentors are active duty and DoD civilians who provide the one-on-one contact essential for the success of a role model. The children see their mentors' pride reflected in their uniforms, service to their country, and their willingness to selflessly give back.

These mentors provide a tangible source of pride to a child who lacks self-confidence. They listen to their hopes and fears, and show them how to confront and overcome challenges set before them.

Studies have shown that the DEFY curriculum produces a measureable, positive outcome in resistance skills, social behavior, self-esteem, alcohol attitudes, smoking attitudes and drug knowledge. The VP-30 DEFY program at NAS Jacksonville has demonstrated how innovation and hard work can achieve an effective community drug awareness program.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100324-N-0000X-001 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 24, 2010) "...Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy Adm. Noman Bashir meets with the aircrew of Pakistan Navy No. 28 Squadron at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. Pakistan Navy pilots and aircrew are training with their U.S. Navy counterparts at Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 to bolster Pakistan's search, surveillance and control capabilities in support of maritime interdiction operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Clark Pierce/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [31MAR2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Chief visits NAS Jacksonville, Florida and VP-30..." WebSite: Online - International News Network http://www.onlinenews.com [31MAR2010]

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir visited with students from Pakistan Navy No. 28 Squadron at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. He was greeted by Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, who provided details on cooperative programs between the U.S. and Pakistan navies, said Spokesman Pakistan Navy in a statement issued here on Tuesday.

Pakistan Navy pilots and aircrews are training with their U.S. Navy counterparts at Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30), based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida to "bolster Pakistan's search, surveillance and control capabilities in support of maritime interdiction operations," said Alexander.

Capt. Frank McCulloch, U.S. Navy Liaison officer to Commander, Defense Representative -Pakistan, said that Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir's visit to NAS Jacksonville, Florida and VP-30 is important for the Pakistan Navy maritime patrol and reconnaissance force.

As part of the visit, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir participated in a familiarization flight aboard a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft with U.S. and Pakistani Navy aircrews.

"He's the driving force for improved equipment and training," Capt. McCulloch said. He explained that the training Pakistan Navy students are receiving with VP-30, "will greatly expand their intelligence and anti-submarine warfare capability."

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir is in the United States on a ten-day visit at the invitation of the U.S. Navy. While there, he is scheduled to meet with various U.S. military and government officials to discuss opportunities for continued coordination and cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan Navies.

Earlier, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Noman Bashir met with U.S. Central Command Commander, Gen. David Petraeus in and U.S. Special Operations Command Commander, Admiral Eric Olson, in Tampa, Fla. to reaffirm the strategic partnership between Pakistan and the United States.

The Pakistan Navy has commanded Combined Task Force (CTF)-150 four times since the task force was established by the United Nations in 2001. CTF-150, a multinational task force, conducts maritime security operations in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The task force was created to counter terrorism, prevent smuggling, and deter other destabilizing activities in the maritime environment.

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-30 History "...'Pro's Nest' Sailors Earn Aircrew Wings - Thursday February 25, 2010..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [26FEB2010]

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"VP-30 History Summary Page"

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