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HistoryVP-30VR CNO HistoryHistory

Circa 2005

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Dignitary transport mission relieved - By Lt. Kimo Silcox, VP-30 PAO..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://pub.jaxairnews.com/ [07SEP2005]

Sept. 23, marked the end of an era as the U.S. Navy decommissioned VP-30's VR Detach-ment. The VR Detachment's mission was the global transportation and support of U.S. and allied dignitaries.

The ceremony, signifying the end of 28 years of dedicated service, honored all of the men and women who have given their time and energy to fulfill and surpass the aspirations held by those who stood at the commissioning ceremony.

Adm. John Nathman, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, was the ceremony's guest speaker. ''The irony is that as we lose this mission, we need to lose this mission . . . because there's a clear signal out there to me that means the warriors of this community will now be allowed to sharpen their focus on tomorrow's fight,'' Nathman remarked during the event.

Worldwide flag transport was established in 1977 as a VR Detachment in VP-30 to provide logistical support with the versatile P-3 Orion.

During 28 years of mis-hap-free support, the detachment provided service to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Commandant of the Marine Corps, Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, and foreign dignitaries through the CNO foreign liaison office. In supporting the CNO's foreign liaison office, the detachment completed more than 200 missions transporting naval officials of more than 40 foreign navies.

In 1986, the VR Detach-ment expanded support to include CINCLANTFLT/ CFFC requirements, and in the 1990s, Commander, Naval Nuclear Propulsion became a regular customer. In addition to these U.S. Navy admirals, the detachment has transported numerous dignitaries in support of fleet requirements. Among those were two former presidents (George Bush, Sr. and Jimmy Carter), state governors, famous public figures, and numerous senior ranking military officers.

Originally, 10 officers and 34 enlisted were assigned to man and support three P-3 aircraft. In recent history, they had four officers and 16 enlisted to support the only remaining VP-3A. During their many years of service, the VR Detachment completed more than 1,200 flag missions.

They flew over 32,000 flight hours while transporting flag officers to all 50 states and more than 60 countries on six continents. In his remarks, Nathman commented, ''It's important to acknowledge the mission success of this squadron and detachment.''

Following naval tradition of displaying the admiral's flag aboard ships with an admiral embarked, the VR Detachment displayed the flag on their aircraft with an admiral on board.

In tribute to their 28 years of flag support, Cmdr. Art Doney, officer-in-charge of the detachment, presented the admiral's flag to Nathman during the ceremony.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP History ThumbnailVP-30 VR Detachment Stands Down "...Dignitary Transport Mission Relieved By Lt. Kimo Silcox - VP-30 PAO..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://pub.jaxairnews.com/Sections.aspx?sec=15406 [06SEP2005]


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