A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Yanking And Banking - Story and photos by PH1 William R. Goodwin,COMNAVBASE Pearl Harbor PAO ..." http://www.mediacen.navy.mil/pubs/allhands/mar99/pg12.htm [25OCT2004]

Like an amusement park ride gone bad, the aircraft pitched and rolled as an intense, hot dot of sunlight roamed the interior of the cabin like a prison searchlight. The smell of gunpowder smoke became nauseating as it filled the cabin, while the in-flight technician shoved yet another sonobouy into its chute.

Above the roar of the aircraft's four, 4,600 horsepower turboprops, a metallic thump, like a sledge hammer against a steel bulkhead, meant another sonobouy was fired from the plane's belly with a shotgun shell-like charge. Welcome to the world of the P-3C Orion, the mighty hunter of submarines.

Amusement rides can be fun, but not if you're on them for eight hours. Still, Combat Aircrew 7 (one of 11 crews of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii-based VP-47 wouldn't have it any other way.

The squadron's mission is to provide undersea warfare, surface warfare, intelligence collection, mine warfare, command, control and communication electronic warfare and mobility support to Commander, Patrol Wings, Pacific. VP-4, VP-9 and VPU-2 are also homeported at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

On this day, Combat Aircrew 7 was on a training mission in pursuit of an enemy submarine. The sub they were chasing was actually USS Buffalo (SSN 715). USS Kamehameha (SSN 642) was the command ship in the exercise.

Tracking submarines requires a great deal of steep banks and maneuvering at low altitude, where turbulence is greater.

It takes a long time to get used to sitting sideways on the plane, said Aviation Systems Warfare Operator 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Kevin R. Thompson, Combat Crew 7 sensor 1 acoustic operator. Sometimes when you're yanking and banking, you'll go from two feet away from the screen to two inches.

It's fun, and I just enjoy going out there and actually saying you did something for the day, explained Thompson.

A bad day of flying is better than a good day in the hangar, agreed Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class (AW/NAC) Scott A. Wells, one of Combat Crew 7's two flight engineers. I particularly like the low altitude, high air speed bombing runs. It's precision work. The flight station (cockpit) crew has to work real close together to keep the plane safe and it takes a lot of effort and a high amount of concentration, explained Wells. That precision is the result of intense training as the VP-47 Golden Swordsmen. Wells didn't get to be a flight engineer overnight.

I had to go to air crew school, which is five weeks of training, said Wells. Then flight engineer school at VP-30 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida, and that's 30 weeks of intensive classroom and in-flight training. Then, search and rescue school and after that you go to the fleet, and it took me about a year to get qualified here.

The typical P-3 crew consists of three pilots, one tactical coordinator, one navigator, two flight engineers, two sonar operators, one electronic warfare operator and one in-flight technician.

Wham! Another sonobouy splashed into the water as the tactical coordinator (TACCO) watched the doors on the aircraft's belly close from his infrared display.

Sonobouys are directional frequency and ranging sensors that listen for targets and transmit the acoustic data back to the aircraft. The acoustic operators monitor the data with headsets and on a multi-purpose display, then pass the information to the TACCO, who then decides where and when to launch the next sonobouy. The TACCO then directs the flight station crew on the proper course for the next launch.

The TACCO lays out a pattern of sonobouys to locate and track the target. On a given mission, more than 100 sonobouys could be launched. That's a big job for the in-flight technician who must keep his balance while loading the sonobouy chutes.

It is a crew aircraft, said LT David Ursini, Combat Crew 7 mission commander. On station, we're a team. No one person is going to save the day by himself or herself. We live or die on the collective efforts of everybody.

That collective effort also emerges during the bailout, ditching and fire drills conducted during the training flight. Although the crew could probably zip through the drills with their eyes closed, they have their game faces on and take this training quite seriously. However, when Combat Crew 7 gets their hooks on a submarine, they prosecute it with a vengeance.

The adrenaline is going a lot more when you track a foreign sub, said Thompson. Everybody's hyped up, because you're going out there to track somebody you've never tracked before. There's more of a sense of urgency. You have to stay on top of them and watch what they do. This is probably the most fulfilling job I've seen.

Pursuing submarines is the bread and butter of the 116-foot long, 139,760-pound P-3C. The first P-3V entered the Navy's inventory 36 years ago, and after three upgrades, the P-3C is the Navy's only land-based, long-range, anti-submarine aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors such as directional frequency and ranging (DIFAR) sonobuoys and magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) equipment.

The avionics system is integrated by a general-purpose, digital computer that supports all of the tactical displays, monitors and automatically launches ordnance and provides flight information to the pilots. Additionally, the system coordinates navigation information and accepts sensor data inputs for tactical display and storage. The P-3C can carry a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons.

As the saying goes, what goes up, must come down and back on the ground, VP-47 like all VP squadrons, has an extensive line up of support services. Administrative, command services, operations, maintenance, safety, training and tactics are the primary departments of VP-47.

Because we are a sea-going squadron, there's a lot more travel and you learn more here than out in the fleet, said Yeoman 3rd Class Peggy A. Jackson. When we deploy, we pack up our computers, our office supplies and service records. When we get to our new site we set everything up and we're up and running. We have almost 400 people in our squadron, we have to write orders for the crews and everyone who's going on the airlift, plus maintenance personnel in case the plane breaks down. We also have to make sure everyone is ready medically and has a government passport. It takes a lot of time, but I've learned more here than anywhere else.

When VP-47 deploys, it's a major undertaking. In January 1998, they relieved VP-4 in NSF Diego Garcia where they assumed peacekeeping responsibilities in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. Many months of careful planning and preparation enabled nine aircraft, 11 crews, and nearly 400 personnel to complete the 9,000-mile, 10-time zone journey to this small island in the Indian Ocean.

Immediately upon arrival in NSF Diego Garcia, six aircrews and five aircraft detached to the Arabian Gulf. Three crews patrolled the Arabian Gulf around the clock for U.N. sanctions while the other three crews detached to Masirah, Oman, where they flew critical patrol missions armed with Maverick and Harpoon missiles.

VP-47 is also keeping pace with the recent installation of Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Package (AIP). These cutting-edge enhancements are designed to make the crews' lives easier.

One of the great features of AIP is that previously, on a typical P-3 you only see a certain function at the tactical stations, said Ursini. With AIP, the TACCO is able to split his screen so that he can bring up and physically look at the acoustic gram, for example, without getting out of his seat. With the push of the button, he can look at the acoustic gram and the radar while maintaining the tactical plot. It allows him to better manage his assets.

[The] OASIS [tactical data processor] is an easier way to pass contact information and is linked into the worldwide net, Ursini added. So literally, if I detect a contact somewhere, then send it to my operational commander via OASIS, he can automatically link it in and can bounce it via satellite to whomever needs to see that info, in real time. VP-47's Combat Crew 7 has adapted quite well to the changing role of the P-3C aircraft and its new enhancements.

After hours of yanking and banking, the shroud of darkness loomed over the mighty hunter and the hot dot of sunlight was replaced by stars rolling past the overhead windows of the flight station in a dizzying, surreal display.

As the mission drew to a conclusion, Combat Crew 7 had their hands and minds securely engaged in doing what they do best: Prosecuting submarines.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Honolulu, Hawaii, 7 June 99.....from the Honolulu Advertiser: The last operatiional aircraft remaining at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii left today for deployment to Japan. The base closes July 1. VP-47, P-3 Orion submarine hunting airplanes, will be stationed at Misawa Air Base and Kadena Air Base. The 370 personnel will conduct a variety of missions, including maritime patrol support, escort services, medical evacuations, and search-and-rescue operations. When the squadron returns to Hawaii in December, it's new home will be Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe..." Contributed by Stan Wright, VP-17 (1967-1970) stanwright@hawaii.rr.com [08JUN99]

Circa 1998

A BIT OF HISTORY: ID: DNSD0001083 - 980708N2619S011 "...Japanese aircrewmen load a MK-46 air launched torpedo into the bomb bay of a P-3 Orion aircraft as US Navy ordnancemen from VP-47 watch. Location: NAVAL AIR STATION BARBERS POINT, HAWAII (HI) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) - Camera Operator: PH2 AUGUST SIGUR Date Shot: 8 Jul 1998..." WebSite: Defense Visual Information Center http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/ [03FEB2006]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Navy News 32/98 06AUG98 E-Mail Message: NNS3200. P-3C aircraft from five countries enhance RIMPAC `98 by Christi Erwin, RIMPAC `98 Combined Information Bureau..." [06AUG98]

NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (NNS) -- Like an eagle hunting for fish, a P-3C Orion can loiter over a spot of ocean for hours, searching for its prey.

While the square-winged, four-engine turboprops don't have the same flash and swagger of an aircraft carrier's jet fighters, the patrol squadrons from five nations are creating a sensation of their own during the month-long RIMPAC `98 maritime exercise here.

Barbers Point is home to three P-3 patrol squadrons -- VP-4, VP-9 and VP-47 -- and host to squadrons from Australia, Canada, Japan and the Republic of Korea during RIMPAC `98. During the exercise -- which includes more than 50 ships, 200 aircraft and nearly 28,000 people -- the submarine hunters train with each other, as well as various ships and subs from six participating Pacific Rim nations.

"Because of RIMPAC, the crews are gaining valuable flight time and experience," said LCDR Tom Kollie, a VP-4 tactical coordinator. "Through RIMPAC `98 we are able to train with other countries' aircraft and watercraft," Kollie said. "This helps us insure we are productive in our training for our missions."

Since 1962, the VP-4 has been an anti-submarine warfare workhorse of the Navy, combining long range and excellent fuel economy with increasingly sophisticated avionics and technology.

The versatile aircraft are used by a number of countries worldwide for a variety of missions, including seeking and destroying submarines and ships, maritime patrol, laying mines, and search and rescue.While searching for a submarine, the aircraft can circle ominously above for hours and drop dozens of canister-shaped listening devices into the ocean. The devices, called sonobuoys, transmit information overhead to the VP-4 with its advanced submarine-detection sensors.

The crew can determine if the detected signal is from a submarine, a ship, a whale or an earthquake on the ocean floor. The P-3C is the Navy's sole land-based anti-submarine warfare aircraft. It does not operate off an aircraft carrier, but its crew checks in with the battle group to do whatever tasking is necessary.

"RIMPAC `98 enables the squadrons and submarines to search for and hide from another country's aircraft and subs," said LT Susan Papp, a VP-4 mission commander from Valley Forge, Pa. "That's a goal of the exercise -- having the different nations work together as a multi-national force. It also provides the aircraft and submarine crews with realistic scenarios. [06AUG98]

---

Circa 1996

A BIT OF HISTORY: "00APR96--NAVY SQUADRONS MOVE FROM BARBERS POINT TO NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii...The Navy has decided to relocate three squadrons of P-3C Orion aircraft and associated personnel from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, to Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, by 1999. This move follows the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) committee's decision to close NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii, which also called for moving one squadron of SH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Barbers Point to NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Patrol squadrons VP-4, VP-9 and VP-47, and Anti-Submarine Warfare Helicopter Squadron 37 are scheduled to move. Along with these squadrons, some additional commands will move from NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii to MCBH NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, including Commander, Patrol Wings Pacific. There will be a total of 32 P-3C Orion aircraft and 10 SH-60 Seahawk helicopters making the move. By keeping the squadrons and 2,200 associated military personnel and civilian employees in Hawaii, the local economy will retain an estimated $84 million in annual revenue from salaries plus goods and services purchased by the Navy. The decision to move three patrol squadrons to MCBH NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii allows the Navy to keep the aircraft strategically located in the mid-Pacific, where they train regularly with Hawaii-based surface ships and submarines, and make regular deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf regions. The decision also uses the capacity of MCBH NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to its best advantage. Before the 1993 BRAC decision, six patrol squadrons were based at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. Two squadrons have since Disestablished as part of the Navy's force reductions, and a third has moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. With the three remaining P-3C squadrons moving to MCBH NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Pacific Fleet's six P-3C squadrons will be divided evenly between NAS Kaneohe Bay, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington when NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii closes in 1999." http://www.navy-reserve.org/9604/nra9604g.html

---

Circa 1995

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

A BIT OF HISTORY: "29MAR95: NORTH ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- Eleven crew members from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 were recovered safely from the North Arabian Sea about 1:30 p.m. March 25 after their P-3C Orion aircraft ditched following engine problems. The aircraft was on a routine mission five miles off the Omani coast when the mishap occurred. The 11 crew members were recovered by a helicopter at the scene and treated for minor injuries. Units from the Omani air force responded immediately to lend assistance at the scene. VP 47 is homeported in Barbers Point, Hawaii. The Navy is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident. (This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA425)"

---

Circa 1994

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

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

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...30NOV94 - NNS000. U.S. Navy Enroute to Burning Cruise Ship - INDIAN OCEAN (NNS)..." http://138.147.50.50/navpalib/news/navnews/nns94/nns94069.txt [10JUL2003]

Two Navy ships were speeding toward a rescue mission Wednesday (Nov. 30), after being called upon to provide assistance to the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro which was on fire about 130 miles east off Somalia in the Indian Ocean.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command VADM John Scott Redd dispatched a P-3 surveillance aircraft from VP-47 to the Achille Lauro, where the aircrew reported hundreds of passengers and crew were either in life boats, or being picked up by three merchant ships already on the scene. During a live report to CNN from above the burning ship, the P-3's Tactical Coordinator, LT Paul Frost, reported "the aft half of the ship is engulfed in flames," and that the ship was listing badly.

COMUSNAVCENT diverted the Mayport-based USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and Charleston-based USS Halyburton (FFG 40) to the site after receiving word of the fire from the search and rescue center in Norway. The Navy ships were operating about 350 miles north of the Achille Lauro's position.

As the Navy ships approached the scene, a helicopter operating from the deck of Gettysburg overflew the merchants, then returned to Gettysburg to retrieve medical supplies and food to support the evacuated passengers. Gettysburg's Commanding Officer, CAPT P.R. Smith, has been designated the Navy's on-scene commander, and will assess further rescue operations upon his ship's arrival.

---

Circa 1993

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/so93.pdf [12NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/ja93.pdf [12NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - January - February 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/jf93.pdf [12NOV2004]

---

Circa 1992

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/so92.pdf [11NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command, Safe Flying, etc. - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Base Closures, Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/mj92.pdf [11NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command, Safe Flying, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/jf92.pdf [11NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 1992 NAS Misawa, Japan CruiseBook History..." 35KB PDF File: VP-47 1992 NAS Misawa, Japan Cruisebook History Contributed by JACKSON, MS2 Jerri jerri.jackson@navy.mil [05FEB2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Leaving friends I made in NAS Misawa, Japan "92"..." Contributed by JACKSON, MS2 Jerri jerri.jackson@navy.mil [05FEB2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...A Christmas Party (I'm in the middle) either while in NAS Misawa, Japan or NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii (the year is wrong on the pictures, I have an awful memory..." Contributed by JACKSON, MS2 Jerri jerri.jackson@navy.mil [05FEB2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Group of friends partying in NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. I left in 1994..." Contributed by JACKSON, MS2 Jerri jerri.jackson@navy.mil [05FEB2004]

---

Circa 1991

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/nd91.pdf [25OCT2004]

---

Circa 1990

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/jf91.pdf [24OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 4, 6 and 34 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/ja90.pdf [22OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 7, 21 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/jf90.pdf [22OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Records Safe Flying Time - VP-47: 110,700 hours and 17 years...." Naval Aviation News July-August 1990 Page 32 [10JUL2001]

---

Circa 1989

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 29, 31 and 33 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1989..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1989/nd89.pdf [22OCT2004]

---

Circa 1988

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards - Change-Of-Command - Page 32 to 33 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/nd88.pdf [21OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 28 to 30 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/so88.pdf [21OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/jf88.pdf [21OCT2004]

---

Circa 1987

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Tracing Squadron Lineage - Page 22 to 26 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1987..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1987/jf87.pdf [20OCT2004]

---

Circa 1986

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1986..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1986/nd86.pdf [19OCT2004]

---

Circa 1982

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Great Seal Of The United States - Naval Aviation News - August 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/aug82.pdf [15OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards - Change-Of-Command - Page 2, 44 and 46 - Naval Aviation News - July 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/jul82.pdf [15OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 Patch Contributed by WPeter Knepton knepton@earthlink.net [02DEC99]

---

Circa 1981

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 42, 44, and 45 - Naval Aviation News - July 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jul81.pdf [14OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 39 to 41 - Naval Aviation News - June 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jun81.pdf [13OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 Patch "...This is the patch the AE’s designed on our 1981 deployment to NAS Misawa, Japan..." Contributed by Scott Garner s_garner@charter.net [19JUN2002]

---

Circa 1980

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 3 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - July 1980..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1980/jul80.pdf [11OCT2004]

---

Circa 1979

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 28 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - December 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/dec79.pdf [10OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 23, 25 and 26 - Naval Aviation News - October 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/oct79.pdf [10OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Page 22 and 23 - Naval Aviation News - August 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/aug79.pdf [10OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Awards - Page 3, 23, 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - May 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/may79.pdf [10OCT2004]

---

Circa 1978

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 22 and 25 - Naval Aviation News - June 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/jun78.pdf [09OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 3, 15 and 16 - Naval Aviation News - February 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/feb78.pdf [09OCT2004]

---

Circa 1977

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History And Change-Of-Command - Page 23 - Naval Aviation News - June 1977..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1977/jun77.pdf [08OCT2004]

---

Circa 1976

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - July 1976..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1976/jul76.pdf [06OCT2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 - Naval Aviation News - April 1976..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1976/apr76.pdf [05OCT2004]

---

Circa 1970

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - May 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/may70.pdf [17SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - April 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/apr70.pdf [17SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Circa 1970...Patrol Squadron 47, as it is known today, came into existence with the commissioning of VPB-27 at NAAS Harvey Point, Hertford, North Carolina, on the first of June, 1944. Although commissioned in the Atlantic Fleet, all operations of the Squadron have been as part of the Pacific Fleet, with over ten years being spent outside the continental limits of the United States. The Korean conflict held the Squadron in Japan for an extra seven months, after which they moved to their new home as NAS Alameda, California.

In March of 1965, after making several deployments to Alaska, the Squadron moved to NAS Moffett Field, California to transition to the P-3A Orion patrol aircraft. They became the first Pacific Squadron to fly the P-3C operationally..." Contributed by Jan Hartman [23MAY2000]

---

Circa 1969

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Naval Aviation News - October 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/oct69.pdf [17SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - January 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/jan69.pdf [16SEP2004]

---

Circa 1968

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 30 - Naval Aviation News - November 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/nov68.pdf [15SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - August 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/aug68.pdf [15SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - March 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/mar68.pdf [14SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - February 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/feb68.pdf [14SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Here is a photo of me at the NAS Sangley Point, Philippines BEQ in 1968..." Contributed by Ronald Martin r.g.martin@postoffice.worldnet.att.net

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...1968-69 WestPac Cruise Book...." [16JUL2001]

Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN, as it is known today, come into existence with .the commissioning of VPB-27 at NAAS Harvey Point, Hertford, North Carolina, on the first of June 1944. Although commissioned in the Atlantic Fleet, all operations of the squadron have been as part of the Pacific Fleet, with over ten of the years ,being spent outside the continental limits of the United States.

After training, VPB-27's initial deployment was in PBM type aircraft to the Hawiian Islands. During World War II VPB-27 saw limited action, participating only in the Okinawa Campaign. After the war, however, the squadron remained in the western Pacific flying courier missions. In Februa- ry of 1946, VPB-27 was recalled to Hawaii and based at w'hat is now the MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. A year and a half later, in September 1948, the squadron received its present designation as VP-47.

After moving to San Diego in March 1949, the squadron operated on the West Coast and in Alaska and Mexico. Expecting a six month deployment, the squadron departed in January 1950 for operations from Saipan, NS Sangley Point, Philippines, and Oppama, Japan. The outbreak of the Korean conflict held the squadron in Japan for an additional seven months, after which VP-47 returned to its new home port of NAS Alameda, California.

Three deployments were made to NAS Iwakuni, Japan, before the squadron received its first P5M-2 in October 1954. VP-47 was the first fleet squadron to receive Martin's new and improved version of the P5M-1 and four deployments were made to NAS Iwakuni, Japan with the P5M-2.

In 1955 the Squadron won the Dual-Piloted Aircraft Safety Award, and in 1956 was awarded the Commander Air Force Pacific fleet Battle Efficiency "E". In September 1957 the squadron was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for seaplanes, flying over 7,000 accident-free hours to receive this honor. In September 1960 the squadron again was awarded the Chief of Naval Operations Annual Aviation Safety Award for seaplanes, this time flying over 8,000 accident-free hours.

In August of 1960 the home port of the squadron was changed from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. At this time the squadron began to receive the new SP-5B's, a modernization I of the P5M-2 which required an almost complet retraining of all .personnel. August of 1961 the CommandIng OffIcer and his crew flew to NAS Kodiak, Alaska, markIng the occasion of the fIrst sea.plane to land there since 1953, the first P5M ever to land there, and the largest U.S. Navy seaplane to operate in Alaskan waters. Then in May of 1962 the entire squadron. deployed with USS Currituck (AV-7) for SIX weeks to KodIak, with advanced base operations in Cold Bay, Alaska, to set another fIrst for seaplane operations.

In June 1964 the squadron again deployed to Cold Bay, this time with USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13).

In August of the same year the squadron departed the continental U.S. bound for NS Sangley Point, Philippines, and operations with the Seventh Fleet. During this seven month tour the squad- ron conducted operations in Vietnam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN was the first complete patrol squadron to be deployed to war-torn Vietnam. The squadron and USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13), operating from Da Nang, provided ASW coverage for Seventh Fleet units operating off the Vietnam coastline.

In March 1965, VP-47 returned to NAS Moffett Field, California to transition into Lockheed's new P-3A "Orion", thus entering anew era of ASW operations in the Fleet's newest patrol aircraft.

January 1966 found VP-47 on deployment, operating out of NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in NS Sangley Point, Philippines.

In June 1966, the squadron returned to its home port, NAS Moffett Field, California.

Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN became one of the first BULLPUP equipped squadrons to deploy to WESTPAC when they again deployed to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan in June 1967. During the deployment, VP-47 aircrews have flown ASW/Surveillance missions from NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan, and U- Tapao, Tailand.

In October 1968 PATROL SQUADRON FORTY-SEVEN departed NAS Moffett Field, California for a deployment to NS Sangley Point, Philippines and NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. During this , deployment the squadron accumulated many flight hours in support of Market Time operations in South East Asia.

---

Circa 1967

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - March 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/mar67.pdf [08SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - February 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/feb67.pdf [08SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Safety Award For VP-47 - Page 15 - Naval Aviation News - September 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/sep56.pdf [09AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...T-Tail Squadron At Iwakuni - Page 14 to 16 - Naval Aviation News - March 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/mar56.pdf [08AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 Men Give To School - Page 33 - Naval Aviation News - March 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/mar56.pdf [08AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Reenlistments In VP-47 - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - February 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/feb56.pdf [08AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Marlin Repaired At Sea - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - February 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/feb56.pdf [08AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...P5M-2 Birthday In VP-47 - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - January 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/jan56.pdf [08AUG2004]

---

Circa 1955

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Safety Awards Presented - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - December 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/dec55.pdf [07AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 Arrives At Iwakuni - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - November 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/nov55.pdf [06AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 Transfer In 52 Hours - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - September 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/sep55.pdf [05AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...1955 VP-47 Cruisebook...[Squadron Designations: VP-47, VPB-27, and VPMS-7]..." Contributed by Bruce Barth bbarth1@austin.rr.com, Director Mariner/Marlin Association [29NOV2000]

The squadron we know as VP-47 came into existence with the commissioning of VPB-27 at NAAS Harvey Point, Hertford, North Carolina on 1 June 1944. On I5 May 1946 the squadron was redesignated VP-27 with its home port at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. On 15 November 1946 the squadron was redesignated VPMS-7. On 1 September 1948 the squadron was assigned its present designation of VP-47 and has had home ports of MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; NAS North Island, San Diego, California; and presently NAS Alameda, California.

During the squadron's operation and participation in various campaigns, including three full tours in the Korean conflict, personnel attached have been awarded the following medals:

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History of Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN..." http://www.navy.mil/homepages/vp-47/vp47hist.htm

Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN, came into existence with the commissioning of VPB-27 at NAAS Harvey Point, Hertford, North Carolina, on 1 June 1944. Its initial deployment was to Hawaii in the PBM "MARINER" aircraft. In World War II, VPB-27 actively participated in the Okinawa Campaign. After the war, the squadron remained in the Western Pacific to fly courier missions. The need for military forces in the Western Pacific soon diminished and VPB-27 returned to Hawaii and was ultimately redesignated VP-47.

In 1949, VP-47's PBM aircraft could be seen on patrols from Alaska to Mexico, flying out of their new home port in San Diego. The squadron deployed to Saipan, Sangley Point in the Philippines, and Oppama, Japan in January 1950. With the advent of the Korean conflict, VP-47 extended its deployment to Japan for thirteen months where the "Golden Swordsmen" played a supportive role flying patrol missions and courier routes in the Western Pacific. By the end of the conflict, VP-47 had made three deployments in support of United Nations forces in Korea and changed home ports to NAS Alameda, California. Here the squadron acquired the new P5M-2 seaplane. Adopting as their motto, "The Best in the West", VP-47 flew the Navy's most modern seaplanes on four deployments to Iwakuni, Japan.

The next five years were highlighted by winning the Dual Pilot Aircraft Safety Award in 1955, the Commander Naval Air Pacific Forces "Fleet Battle Efficiency" Award in 1956 and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award for seaplanes in 1957 with over 7,000 accident-free hours flown. The squadron again was awarded the Safety Award in 1960 for flying over 8,000 accident free hours. As the new decade began, VP-47 retrained in SP-5B seaplanes at their new home port, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. In 1962, the squadron deployed with the USS Currituck to NAS Kodiak, Alaska and Cold Bay, Alaska, to set yet another standard in seaplane operations. Subsequently "Golden Swordsmen" joined the USS Salisbury Sound in 1964 for another challenging deployment in Cold Bay.

VP-47 saw a great change in climate and operations in 1964 when they departed for Sangley Point to support Seventh Fleet operations. During this tour, Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN distinguished itself as the first full patrol squadron to be deployed to Vietnam.

In March 1965, VP-47 moved to NAS Moffett Field, California. Here the squadron transitioned from the SP-5B to Lockheed's new P-3A "Orion", thus entering the modern era of Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Operations. By January 1966, the newly-trained "Golden Swordsmen" were flying in WESTPAC out of NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan and Sangley Point. Adding the Bullpup missile to its weapon inventory, VP-47 returned to NAF Naha in June 1967, becoming one of the first missile-equipped squadrons in WESTPAC. VP-47 continued to prove the worth of the P-3A during its next two deployments to Sangley Point and NAF Naha in 1968 and 1970. The squadron received a Meritorious Unit Commendation from the Philippine Air Group for its actions against enemy supply lines in the South China Sea from April 1970 to April 1971.

Upon returning to NAS Moffett Field, California, the squadron transitioned to the P- 3C, the Navy's more advanced, computerized ASW aircraft. In early 1971, VP- 47 was once again fully operational, as the first P-3C squadron in the Pacific Fleet. By June of the same year, VP-47 was operating out of NAS Adak, Alaska.

A second Meritorious Unit Commendation followed in 1972 for the squadron's outstanding 1971 deployment to NAS Adak, Alaska, and the squadron's invaluable support of the Cannakin Project in Amchitka.

VP-47 began operating a tri-site deployment that stretched across the Pacific in NAS Adak, Alaska, Guam and Moffett Field. In August, with the entire squadron back at Moffett Field, VP-47 received the Royal Canadian Air Force Coastal Command Trophy for achieving the highest ASW proficiency during the previous Battle Efficiency competition cycle. Upon returning to NAS Moffett Field, California in January 1975, the squadron was selected as winner of the Isabell Trophy in April and the Coastal Command Trophy in May 1975. The squadron completed a remarkable 24 months of continuous "Alpha" crew status maintaining the highest possible standards in ASW performance.

VP-47 deployed to Seventh Fleet in Misawa, Japan in February 1976. Another Battle "E" was awarded to the squadron three months into the deployment. The squadron returned from its successful WESTPAC tour to resume training and EASTPAC operations out of Moffett Field.

In December 1976, the "Golden Swordsmen" received the Tactics Bowl Trophy for their noteworthy contributions to the annual Commander, Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet Tactics Bowl Competition.

The squadron deployed to NAF Misawa again in July 1977 as Task Group 72.4 under the command of Commander, Seventh Fleet. VP-47 operated detachments at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, NAF Atsugi, Japan, NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, and NAS Agana, Guam. The squadron conducted another successful deployment to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan in 1979. The "Golden Swordsmen" detached to NAS Adak, Alaska from 10 May 1979 to 10 May 1980, assuming the duties of Task Unit 32.3.1 The squadron was nominated as Naval Weapons Proficiency unit of the year, and was runner up in the Pacific Fleet in Mining Readiness in 1980. VP-47 returned to NAF Misawa, Japan on 10 January 1981, to serve under Commander Task Force 72. VP-47 returned to Moffett Field in June 1981. Over the next twelve months, the "Golden Swordsmen" passed every major inspection with outstanding marks.

On 10 June 1982, the "Golden Swordsmen" of VP-47 deployed to Japan. During this period the squadron received accolades from Commander Seventh Fleet, Commander Task Group 72, and Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet. In August 1984, the squadron deployed to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, to assume the duties of Task Group 72.2. During this time, VP-47 supported Commander, Seventh Fleet with detached operations to NAF Misawa, Japan, NAF Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines, U-Tapao, Thailand, NAS Agana, Guam and NAS Adak, Alaska. On 10 January 1986, VP-47 made its first deployment to NAF Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and assumed responsibilities as Task Group 72.8. VP-47 completed the challenging deployment by "showing the flag" in many countries surrounding the Indian Ocean whilemaintaining detachments to NAF Misawa, Japan, NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, NAF Agana, Guam, and Masirah, Oman. Squadron personnel detached to CTG 72.4, NAF Misawa, Japan earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation for operations in support of Seventh Fleet tasking.

In July 1986, the squadron returned to NAS Moffett Field, California and transitioned to the new P-3C Update III until January 1987.

In June 1987, VP-47 was presented with the Donald M. Neal Aircraft Maintenance Award for maintenance excellence. On 10 August 1987, VP-47 assumed the duties of Task Force 72.4 at NAF Misawa, Japan and also maintained a detachment at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan.

VP-47 returned to NAS Moffett Field, California and commenced an at-home training cycle, in February 1988. In May 1988, the Squadron surpassed 15 years and 100,000 hours of accident-free flying. The squadron maintained a split deployment at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan AFB, Japan, Task Group 72.2, and NAS Moffett Field, California from January 1989 to July 1989. Upon return, VP-47 was awarded the 1988 Donald M. Neal Award for excellence in aircraft maintenance, marking the second time in 3 years the "Golden Swordsmen" earned the prestigious award. VP-47 deployed to NAS Adak, Alaska from June 1990 to December 1990. The squadron distinguished itself by conducting high interest ASW operations, as well as flying 3,443 flight hours without mishap. In June 1992, the squadron returned from an outstanding WESTPAC deployment while attached to CTF 72. Based out of NAS Misawa, Japan, VP-47 conducted highly successful detachments to locations such as NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, NAF Diego Garcia, RAAFB Townsville, and Masirah in Oman.

The squadron flew over 3,500 mishap-free flight hours while performing numerous operational missions as well as assorted littoral visits. "Golden Swordsmen" aircrews were awarded the "Golden Lens" award and rew of the Month each month while on deployment. VP-47 began its at-home training cycle in July 1992. During this period, the "Golden Swordsmen" achieved the highest wing score for the Mine Readiness Certification Inspection and highest on- station effectiveness averages in Patrol Wing TEN during an Encounterex Operational Readiness Evaluation. All of this hard work resulted in a trio of prestigious awards: Tactics Bowl Championship, CNO Safety Award and Battle "E" Award. On June 21, 1993 the squadron commenced a Change of Homeport to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. While conducting their move, VP-47 began their deployment cycle and held concurrent detachments to NAS Adak, Alaska, NAF Diego Garcia, Misawa, Japan and NAS North Island, San Diego, California.

1994 saw the "Golden Swordsmen" complete a highly successful at home training cycle, where they participated in numerous exercises, including RIMPAC and an Encounterex with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. The highlights of the year arose from their history making score on the command Mining Readiness Certification Inspection (MRCI), as well as their highly acclaimed Tactics Bowl submission.

In May 1995, VP-47 returned from a WESTPAC deployment to NAF Diego Garcia, where it proudly assumed the duties of Task Group 72.8. VP-47 conducted demanding but rewarding detachments in Masirah, Oman, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan. During this deployment, the "Golden Swordsmen" were awarded the 1994 Donald M. Neal "Golden Wrench" Award for maintenance excellence, their third such award in six years.

Circa 1952

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FASRON-110, FASRON-112, FASRON-114, FASRON-117, FASRON-118, FASRON-119, FASRON-120, FASRON-885, FASRON-895, VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-22, VP-28, VP-29, VP-40, VP-42, VP-46, VP-47, VP-731, VP-772, VP-871, VP-892 and VP-931) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAW-1, FAW-2, FAW-4, FAW-6, FAW-14, VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-9, VP-22, VP-28, VP-40, VP-42, VP-46, VP-47 and VP-871) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP Commanding Officers - Page 16 - Naval Aviation News - December 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/dec52.pdf [28JUL2004]

---

Circa Korean War
Not All Korean War History Posted Here - Check Korean War Years With Appropriate Squadrons

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron Korean War Deployments - 1950 Deployments - 1951 Deployments - 1952 Deployments - 1953 Deployments..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-korea/vp-deploy.htm [26MAY2007]

VP-1


Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: 19 Aug 1950
Date Out: 13 Nov 1950
Patrol Area: Formosa Straits
Aircraft: P2V-3/3W
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None

Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: Apr 1951
Date Out: 29 Aug 1951
Patrol Area: Korean coast
Aircraft: P2V-3
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None

Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: 29 Mar 1952
Date Out: 5 Oct 1952
Patrol Area: Korean coast
Aircraft: P2V-3
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None

Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: 27 May 1953
Date Out: 1 Dec 1953
Patrol Area: Korean coast
Aircraft: P2V-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-2


Deployed to: Detachment only
Detachment Location: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Detachment Date In: 1 Aug 1951
Detachment Date Out: 2 Dec 1951
Patrol Area: East China Sea; Yellow Sea
Aircraft: P2V-3W
Losses: None


VP-6


Deployed to: Johnson AFB
Date In: 7 Jul 1950
Date Out: 6 Aug 1950
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea

Deployed to: Tachikawa AFB
Date In: 7 Aug 1950
Date Out: 12 Feb 1951
Patrol Area: Korean coastline; Sea of Japan
Aircraft: P2V-3/3Wbr>Losses: None
Detachment Location: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Detachment In: 5 Jan 1951
Detachment Out: 12 Feb 1951
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea; Korean coastline

Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 1 Aug 1951
Date Out: 14 Jan 1952
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea; Sea of Japan; Tsushima Straits
Aircraft: P2V-3/3W
Losses: P2V-3 on 16 Aug 1951, crew rescued P2V on 6 Nov 1951, 10 KIA (combat)
Detachment Location: None


VP-7


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Date In: 28 Jun 1953
Date Out: 27 Jul 1953
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan; Yellow Sea
Aircraft: P2V-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-9


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Date In: 27 Jun 1952
Date Out: 16 Nov 1952
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan
Aircraft: P4Y-2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Pusan
Detachment Date In: Jul 1952
Detachment Date Out: 3 Jan 1953
Patrol Area: Inland Korea


VP-17


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Date In: 1 Feb 1953
Date Out: 30 Jun 1953
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan; Yellow Sea
Aircraft: P4Y-2/2s
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-22


Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: 4 Nov 1950
Date Out: 1 May 1951
Patrol Area: Chinese mainland; Formosa
Aircraft: P2V-4
Losses: P2V, 21 Jan 1951 (non-combat)
Detachment Location: None
VP-22

Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 1 Dec 1951
Date Out: 31 May 1952
Patrol Area: Tsushima Straits; Sea of Japan
Aircraft: P4Y-2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None
VP-22

Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 30 Nov 1952
Date Out: 31 May 1953
Patrol Area: North and South China Sea
Aircraft: P2V-5
Losses: P2V-5, 18 Jan 1953 (combat), 7 rescued, 4 KIA and 2 POW (combat related)
P2V-5, 31 Jan 1953 (non-combat)
Detachment Location: None


VP-28


Deployed to: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Date In: 16 Jul 1950
Date Out: 7 Aug 1950
Patrol Area: Foochow; Shanghai
Aircraft: PB4Y-2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: NAF Agana
Detachment Date In: Jan 1950
Detachment Date Out: 7 Aug 1950
VP-28

Deployed to: Tachikawa AFB
Date In: 1 Apr 1951
Date Out: 9 Oct 1951
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea; Tsushima Straits
Aircraft: PB4Y-2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Itami AFB
Detachment Date In: 24 Apr 1951
Detachment Date Out: 30 Apr 1951
Patrol Area: Japanese coast, ASW ops.
Detachment Location: Kimpo AFB
Detachment Date In: 1 Oct 1951
Detachment Date Out: 13 Dec 1951
Patrol Area: Inland Korea
VP-28

Deployed to: NAF Itami
Date In: 1 Jun 1952
Date Out: 2 Dec 1952
Patrol Area: North Korean coast; China coast
Aircraft: P2V-3/P4Y-2/2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-29


Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 27 Sep 1952
Date Out: 1 Apr 1953
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan; Korean coast
Aircraft: P2V-5/6
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-40


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Suisun (AVP 53), 11 Apr 1951–late 1951
Date In: 9 Jun 1951
Date Out: 13 Dec 1951
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea; Tsushima Straits
Aircraft: PBM-5/5S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None
VP-40

Deployed to: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
Date In: 2 Sep 1952
Date Out: 28 Mar 1953
Patrol Area: South China Sea; Formosa Straits
Aircraft: PBM-5/5S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Pescadores
Detachment Date In: 2 Sep 1952
Detachment Date Out: 28 Mar 1953
Patrol Area: South China Sea and East China Sea
Detachment Location: NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan
Detachment Date In: 2 Sep 1952
Detachment Date Out: 28 Mar 1953
Patrol Area: East China Sea; Yellow Sea


VP-42


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Date In: 19 Jul 1950
Date Out: 10 Aug 1950
Patrol Area: Korean coast

Deployed to: NAS Yokosuka
Date In: 11–31 Aug 1950
Date Out: 1 Sep 1950
Patrol Area: Tsushima Straits; Sea of Japan

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Pine Island (AV 13), Aug 1950–Dec 1950
Curtiss (AV 4), 1 Nov 1950–1 Dec 1950
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 18 Oct 1950–27 Feb 1951
Suisun (AVP 53), 11 Apr 1951–15 Jul 1951
Date In: 1 Sep 1950
Date Out: 9 Apr 1951
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: PBM-5, 7 Jan 1951 (non-combat)
Detachment Location: Inchon
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 3–13 Oct 1950
Detachment Date In: 3 Oct 1950
Detachment Date Out: 17 Oct 1950
Patrol Area: Korean waters
Detachment Location: Chinhae
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 13–18 Oct 1950
Detachment Date In: 14 Oct 1950
Detachment Date Out: 18 Oct 1950
Patrol Area: Korean waters; Yellow Sea

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Date In: 7 Dec 1951
Date Out: 6 Jun 1952
Patrol Area: Korean coast
Aircraft: P4Y-2
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Chinhae
Detachment Date In: 15 Mar 52
Detachment Date Out: Apr 1952
Patrol Area: Inland Korea


VP-46


Deployed to: Pescadores Islands
Suisun (AVP 53) 30 Jul 1950–6 Mar 1951
Date In: 31 Jul 1950
Date Out: 6 Feb 1951
Patrol Area: Formosa Straits; China

Deployed to: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
Date In: 1 Dec 1950
Date Out: 6 Feb 1951
Patrol Area: Night sector searches
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Buckner Bay
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13), 1 Nov 1950–6 Mar 1951
Detachment Date In: 1 Nov 1950
Detachment Date Out: 6 Feb 1951
Detachment Location: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
Detachment Date In: 31 Jul 1950
Detachment Date Out: 6 Feb 1951
Patrol Area: Courier flights to Okinawa

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Floyds Bay (AVP 40), 26 Sep 1951–early 1952
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 26 Sep 1951–early 1952
Date In: 30 Sep 1951
Date Out: 2 Apr 1952
Patrol Area: Korean coast
Aircraft: PBM-5S/5S2
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Chinhae
Suisun (AVP 53)
Detachment Date In: Sep 1951
Detachment Date Out: 2 Apr 1952
Patrol Area: Korean coast

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Kenneth Whiting (AV 14)
Date In: 1 Mar 1953
Date Out: 27 Jul 1953
Patrol Area: Formosa Straits; east coast of Korea
Aircraft: PBM-5S2
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-47


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), Jul 1950–1 Oct 1950
Date In: 31 Jul 1950
Date Out: 16 Oct 1950
Patrol Area: Chosin Straits

Deployed to: Chinhae/Inchon
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 3–13 Oct 1950
Patrol Area: Korean waters
Date In: 16 Oct 1950
Date Out: 15 Nov 1950

Deployed to: NAF Yokosuka
Date In: 16 Nov 1950
Date Out: 1 Jan 1951
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan; eastern Korean coast
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None

Deployed to: Pescadores Island
Pine Island (AVP 12)
Date In: 1 Aug 1951
Date Out: 4 Mar 1952
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13)
Detachment Date In: 26 Jul 1951
Detachment Date Out: 4 Mar 1952
Patrol Area: China Sea
Detachment Location: Buckner Bay
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39)
Corson (AVP 37)
Detachment In: 26 Jul 1951
Detachment Date Out: 4 Mar 1952
Patrol Area: China Sea
1952 Deployments
VP-47

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Kenneth Whiting (AV 14)
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39)
Date In: 22 Nov 1952
Date Out: 31 May 1953
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea; Sea of Japan
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Fukuoka
Corson (AVP 37)
Detachment Date In: Dec 1952
Detachment Date Out: 31 May 1953
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan


VP-48


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Kenneth Whiting (AV 14)
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39)
Date In: Jul 1953
Date Out: Dec 1953
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea
Aircraft: PBM-5S2
Losses: PBM-5 on 30 Jul 1953 (non-combat), 5 rescued, 10 killed in the crash
Detachment Location: None


VP-50


Deployed to: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
Date In: 1 May 1953
Date Out: 1 Sep 1953
Patrol Area: South China Sea
Aircraft: PBM-5S2
Losses: PBM-5 on 30 Jun 1953 (non-combat)
Detachment Location: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
USS Kenneth Whiting (AV-14)
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39) thru June 1953
Floyds Bay (AVP 40)
Detachment Date In: 1 Jun 1953
Detachment Date Out: 27 Jul 1953
Patrol Area: Korean coast


VP-57


Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 28 Mar 1953
Date Out: 27 Jul 1953
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan; Yellow Sea
Aircraft: P2V-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None


VP-731


Deployed to: Buckner Bay
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13), 1 Nov 1950–6 Mar 1951
Suisun (AVP 53), 6 Mar 1951–13 Aug 1951
Date In: 7 Feb 1951
Date Out: 13 Aug 1951
Patrol Area: Formosa Straits; China coast
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13), 13 Mar 1951–18 Oct 1951
Detachment Date In: 7 Feb 1951
Detachment Date Out: 13 Aug 1951
Patrol Area: Formosa coast; China coast
Detachment Location: Hong Kong
Detachment Date In: 7 Feb 1951
Detachment Date Out: 13 Aug 1951
Patrol Area: Courier Flights

Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Kenneth Whiting (AV 14)
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39)
Date In: 1 Jun 1952
Date Out: 8 Dec 1952
Patrol Area: Korean coast; Formosa Straits
Aircraft: PBM-5S2
Losses: PBM damaged on 31 Jul 1952, 2 KIA and 2 WIA (combat related)
Detachment Location: None


VP-772


Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 31 Jan 51
Date Out: 3 Aug 1951
Sea Patrol Area: Yellow; Tsushima Straits
Aircraft: P4Y-2
Losses: None
Detachment Location: K-1, Pusan
Detachment Date In: 12 Jun 1951
Detachment Date Out: 3 Aug 1951
Patrol Area: Inland Korea


VP-871


Deployed to: NAS Atsugi, Japan
Date In: 1 Dec 1951
Date Out: 7 Jul 1952
Patrol Area: Sea of Japan
Aircraft: P4Y-2S
Losses: None
Detachment Location: Kimpo AFB
Detachment Date In: 12 Dec 1951
Detachment Date Out: 7 Jul 1952
Patrol Area: Inland Korea


VP-892


Deployed to: NAS Iwakuni, Japan
Curtiss (AV 4) thru 30 Dec 1950
Pine Island (AV 12), Dec 1950–mid-1951
USS Gardiners Bay (AVP-39), 18 Oct 1950–13 Apr 1951
Suisun (AVP 53), 11 Apr 1951 – Late 1951
Date In: 13 Dec 1950
Date Out: 9 Jun 1951
Patrol Area: Yellow Sea, night patrols
Aircraft: PBM-5
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None
1951 Deployments

Deployed to: NS Sangley Point, Philippines
USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13)
Date In: 1 Mar 1952
Date Out: 12 Sep 1952
Patrol Area: China Sea
Aircraft: PBM-5S/S2
Losses: None
Detachment Location: None
1953 Deployments

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol squadrons in the Korean War - Naval Aviation News, July-August, 2002 by Rick Burgess..." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAX/is_5_84/ai_90332255 [29MAR2005]

Because most of the combat action of the KOREAN WAR took place over the Korean peninsula, the bulk of the Navy's aerial contribution to the war took the form of carrier-based tactical aircraft. For Navy patrol squadrons (VP), the war was fought primarily on the peripheries of the main front, mostly in sea-control and sea-denial missions, and other roles such as mine hunting.

The Korean War was one hot spot of many along the Asian landmass attracting the attention of VP squadrons in the early 1950s. The broader Cold War was in full chill. The Soviet Union had tested its first nuclear weapons in 1949, and its large submarine fleet presented a credible threat to the Navy's carrier and amphibious task forces. Also in 1949, the Communist Chinese People's Liberation Army forces had pushed the Chinese Nationalist forces off the Asian mainland across the Formosa Strait onto Formosa (now Taiwan). French colonial forces in Indochina were embattled by an increasingly strong Viet Minh force led by Ho Chi Minh. From the Bering Strait to Singapore, Navy patrol planes had much to monitor.

Although the U.S. Seventh Fleet's carrier task forces were committed to the Korean area of operations, the fleet still was charged with the protection of Formosa. The fleet was able to maintain routine surveillance of the Formosa Strait with patrol aircraft, which made it impossible for the Communist Chinese to launch a surprise invasion of the island.

In the Korean area of operations, VP squadrons participated in the blockade of North Korea, keeping merchant shipping and fishing fleets under surveillance and deterring hostile submarine activity. In addition, patrol aircraft hunted and destroyed mines, dropped flares for air strikes, and conducted weather reconnaissance and search-and-rescue operations.

At the beginning of the Korean War, Pacific Fleet VP squadrons were equipped with three heavily armed aircraft types. Martin PBM-5/5S/5S2 Mariners were the only flying boats in active patrol squadrons (the P5M Marlin had not yet entered service.) Seaplanes were increasingly being displaced by land-based patrol bombers, such as the four-engine Consolidated Privateer P4Y-2/2S/2B, a holdover from WW II; and versions of the new twin-engine Lockheed Neptune (P2V2/3/3W/4/5), successor to the post-WWII PV-2 Harpoon patrol bomber.

The Pacific Fleet was equipped with only nine VP squadrons in June 1950, having disestablished four squadrons in the first half of the year. VP squadrons were based at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington; NAS North Island, San Diego, California; and NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. They deployed to NAF Yokosuka, Japan; NS Sangley Point, Philippines.; NAS Kodiak, Alaska; and NAS Agana, Guam. By the end of 1950, seven reserve VP squadrons were activated, five of which were assigned to the Pacific Fleet. By the end of 1951, two more active duty VP squadrons were established in the Pacific Fleet, and two more reserve squadrons were activated to augment them. NAS Alameda, California, and NAS Seattle, Washington, accommodated some of the new squadrons. Only one Atlantic Fleet patrol squadron, VP-7 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island, was deployed to the war zone, arriving less than one month before the truce on 30 June 1953.

When the war broke out in 1950, Fleet Air Wing FAW-1 at Guam controlled squadrons deployed to the western Pacific. In July 1950 FAW-1 moved to Naha, Okinawa, to control patrols over the Formosa Strait using one land-based and one flying boat squadron. FAW-6 was established at Atsugi, Japan, to coordinate patrols in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan. Eventually the typical strength of FAW-6 included three land-plane squadrons and two flying boat squadrons, as well as two squadrons of Royal Air Force Sunderland flying boats. These command structures remained in place throughout the war, except during a short period when they were relieved by FAW-2 and FAW-14, respectively.

Only eight patrol planes--PBMs assigned to VP-46 and the squadron it was relieving, VP-47--patrolled the Far East when the North Korean invasion began, while VP-28's PB4Ys were deployed to NAS Agana, Guam. Soon, VP-47 was regrouped and retained on deployment, VP-6's P2V-3s arrived at Johnson Air Base near Tokyo, Japan, and VP-42's PBMs staged at Iwakuni, Japan. VP-28 staged to NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan and began daily patrols of the Formosa Strait and the coast of China. Other squadrons rotated in turn, and also deployed to far-flung bases and anchorages such as Hong Kong; the Pescadores, Buckner Bay and NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan; Tachikawa and Itami in Japan; and NAS Kodiak, Alaska and Shemya in the Aleutians.

As the North Korean invasion pushed south, VP-6's Neptunes were used on three occasions to provide naval gunfire spotting for United Nations warships on the western coast of South Korea. The squadron's P2V-3s, armed with 20mm cannon, bombs and rockets, also launched many attacks themselves against North Korean targets along the northeast shore.

On 29 July 1950, two crews destroyed a railroad train with their rockets and guns. On 13 August, crews sank three boats and two barges engaged in minelaying near Chinnampo, and damaged two surface craft near Wonsan. One VP-6 Neptune was damaged in the attack. An attack on a patrol boat near Chinnampo on 16 August was fatal to another VP-6 aircraft, which ditched after taking fire. The crew was rescued by the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Kenya. Patrol planes were prohibited thereafter from undertaking attack missions over Korea. VP-6 became the only patrol squadron awarded the Navy Unit Citation during the Korean War.

Patrol planes--PBMs, P2Vs and Sunderlands--were used extensively in mine hunting, particularly in the harbors of Inchon and Wonsan. This tedious activity required the PBMs to fly low and slow, close enough to detonate a moored mine with machine gunfire, but high enough to avoid the mine's explosion. P2Vs dropped depth charges to wipe out magnetic mines.

In 1951 VP squadrons were pressed into another role, this time over land, dropping illumination flares in support of air strikes. Known as Firefly missions, they helped deny the night to enemy supply movements. Admiral Arthur W. Radford suggested the use of P4Y-2 Privateers as flare ships to replace the more vulnerable R4D Skytrains in illuminating targets for Marine Corps F4U-5N Corsair and F7F-3N Tigercat night hecklers. One P4Y from VP-772 was modified For the mission and proved highly successful, and three more P4Ys from VP-772 and VP-28 were assigned as "Lamp Lighters" (later operated by successive squadrons). During a typical mission, the P4Y would rendezvous with four attack aircraft, search for truck convoys and illuminate the targets for the attack aircraft.

Although United Nations forces were successful in maintaining air superiority over most of the Korean peninsula, lumbering patrol aircraft had a few encounters with enemy aircraft. A VP-42 Mariner was damaged on 11 May 1952 by a MiG-15 fighter over the Yellow Sea, and on 31 July 1952 a VP-731 PBM was seriously damaged by gunfire from a MiG-15, which killed two crewmen and injured two others.

Flights off China and the Soviet Union, far from protective cover, were more dangerous. VP-28 P4Ys were attacked over the Formosa Strait on 26 July by an F-51 Mustang in North Korean markings, and on 20 September and 22 November 1950 by MiG-15s, all without result. A VP-42 PBM was lost to unknown causes in the southern Formosa Strait on 5 November. On 6 November 1951 a VP-6 P2V-3W was shot down, with no survivors, by Soviet fighters near Vladivostok. On 18 January 1953 Chinese antiaircraft batteries shot down a VP-22 P2V off Swatow. A Coast Guard PBM-5G picked up the survivors but crashed on takeoff, resulting in the loss of 11 fliers, including 7 from the P2V. The survivors were rescued by a Navy ship. Further such aircraft incidents and losses occurred in the years after the Korean truce.

One daring P2V crew amazingly survived a series of eight or nine intentional overflights of the Soviet Union's Kamchatka peninsula between April and June 1952. A VP-931 P2V-3W--modified with special electronic intelligence equipment in its nose and flown by a handpicked crew--flew in radio silence over the peninsula at 15,000 feet in search of military installations. When military sites were detected, an Air Force RB-50 flying above and behind the P2V photographed the sites. The snoopers were intercepted on two missions by Soviet MiG fighters but apparently never were fired upon. Fortunately, the recently declassified operations never required the services of the Air Force SB-17 rescue plane assigned to the missions. This VP-931 (later VP-57) crew also performed a daring search and rescue flight in July 1953 over Vladivostok harbor for the crew of an RB-50 that was shot down by Soviet fighters. A U.S. destroyer rescued one of the crewmen.

Land-based patrol planes saw greater use than flying boats in the Korean War, proving to be more efficient. In Korea, land-based patrol planes flew 12 sorties for every 9 flown by flying boats.

As with U.S. forces in general, patrol aviation maintained a high level of presence in the Far East after the Korean War. Its operations increasingly focused on peripheral reconnaissance of the Soviet Union and China, particularly surveillance of the growing Soviet submarine force and vigilance against Chinese sabre-rattling against Formosa.

U.S. Navy Patrol Squadrons in the Korean War

Squadron    Aircraft    Tail Code    Home Port

VP-1
P2V-3/3W/5
CD
NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

VP-2
P2V-2/3W/4
SB
NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

VP-4
P2V-4
SC
NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii

VP-6
P2V-3/3W
BE
NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii

VP-7
P2V-5
HE
NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island

VP-9
P4Y-2
CB
NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

VP-17
(VP-772)
P4Y-2/2S
BH
NAS Seattle, Washington

VP-19
(VP-871)
P4Y-2
CH
NAS Alameda, California

VP-22
P2V-3/4/5
CE
NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii

VP-28
P4Y-2S
CF
NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii

VP-29
(VP-812)
P2V-5
BF
NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

VP-40
PBM-5/5S
CA
NAS North Island, San Diego, California

VP-42
PBM-5/5S/5S2
SA
NAS North Island, San Diego, California

VP-46
PBM-5/5S/5S2
BD
NAS North Island, San Diego, California

VP-47
PBM-5
BA
NAS Alameda, California

VP-48
(VP-731)
PBM-5
SF
NAS North Island, San Diego, California

VP-50
(VP-892)
PBM-5/5S
SE
NAS Alameda, California

VP-57 (VP-931)
P2V-2/3W/5
BI
NAS Whidbey Island, Washington

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadrons In The Korean War By LCDR Rick Burgess, USN (Retired) - Naval Aviation News July-August 2002..." Contributed by Mike Yared mikeyared@yahoo.com [25JAN2003]
Patrol Squadrons In The Korean War Page 1 of 4
Patrol Squadrons In The Korean War Page 2 of 4
Patrol Squadrons In The Korean War Page 3 of 4
Patrol Squadrons In The Korean War Page 4 of 4

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Air Classics Volume 18, Number 1 January 1982 "Old Man Of The Sea" By Robert L. Trimble...." "Old Man Of The Sea" By Robert L. Trimble (Squadrons mentioned: VP-6, VP-17, VP-22, VP-26, VP-28, VP-42, VP-47, VP-48, VP-731, VP-772, and FAW-1) [15JUN2000]

Air Classics Volume 18, Number 1 January 1982 4,064KB

---

Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 Aerial Photographer Frank Breitenstein with 20" F-56 camera in the USS Curtiss (AV-4) photo lab..." Contributed by Frank Breitenstein fvbreit@yahoo.com [04APR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 PBM BUNO: Unknown "...Passing time on wing of PBM-5 BuNo 84746..." Contributed by Frank Breitenstein fvbreit@yahoo.com [03APR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 PBM BUNO: Unknown "...Passing time on wing of PBM-5 BuNo 84746..." Contributed by Frank Breitenstein fvbreit@yahoo.com [03APR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 PBM BUNO: Unknown "...Passing time on the tail of PBM-5 BuNo 84746..." Contributed by Frank Breitenstein fvbreit@yahoo.com [03APR2001]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...A view from the top on the flightline at NS Sangley Point, Philippines..." Contributed by George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [06MAR98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...It's a nasty job but somebody's gotta do it! AD1 Stuart and AD3 Conk washing exhaust residue from nacelle..." Contributed by George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [06MAR98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Top AO1 Henry Beck accepting cowling from AD3 Vernon Conk and ADAN Glen Taylor stands by..." Contributed by George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [06MAR98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Ships Bos'n guiding aircraft to ship to hoist aboard for maintenance..." Contributed by George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [06MAR98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Approaching U.S.S. Curtiss to be hoisted aboard..." Contributed by George L. Stuart lithouse@norfolk.infi.net [06MAR98]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "... USS Salisbury "...Photo taken from a VP-47 PBM while approaching the USS Salisbury Sound, AV-13. I do not recall which plane I was in. We were flying patrols over the Yellow Sea, off the coast of mainland China. The ship was anchored at the Pescadores Islands, between China and Taiwan in the Formasa Strait..." Contributed by Frank Breitenstein fvbreit@yahoo.com [03AUG2000]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 Patch Contributed by Peter Knepton knepton@earthlink.net [02DEC99]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-47 Crew "...Wonder if there's anyone still around who might recognize some of these gentlemen..." Contributed by Rick Masterdstr@aol.com [19JUN99]

---

"VP-47 Summary Page"

---

---

All profit goes towards maintaining VPNAVY. Thanks! Nevins   VPNAVY gets a "percentage" for every item purchased by the associates listed below!