A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Taking Off With One in the Bag - by Lcdr. Scott P. Van Fleet/ P-3C..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/mar03/Uneventful.htm [28JUN2006]

"Rotate" had just become our favorite word. We burned up 5,500 feet of runway, and had less than 3,000 feet left, and we already had lost one engine. Well, actually, we had planned on not having that one.

Two days prior, one of our crews was diverting to a remote field for fuel. During the approach the No. 3 engine had a chips light. They landed at the divert field and found "chunks" in the reduction gearbox. It would have to be changed. However, the divert field had serious force protection issues. The thought of having a group of maintainers working out on the wing for two days, completely vulnerable to a terrorist attack led the senior leadership in theater to consider other options.

We were asked if we could fly it out with three engines, the "Three-Engine Ferry Takeoff." It was in NATOPS, but none of us ever had performed one with the exception of the simulator. So, we gathered up as many of the senior pilots and flight engineers we could and started running the aircraft performance numbers. It looked doable, but we knew we'd feel a lot more comfortable if we could practice this and verify our calculations.

There was a P-3 available with about the same fuel load and weight. We practiced the takeoff several times. We had two senior instructor flight engineers setting power and taking data. The procedures came straight out of "Normal Procedures," which gives most pilots and flight engineers in the P-3 community a laugh. It hardly is normal to takeoff with an engine shutdown. So the practice validated our aircraft performance numbers and confirmed the techniques we were going to use. During the takeoff, I added power on the asymmetrical engine while holding the nose straight with nosewheel steering. With increasing airspeed and rudder effectiveness I was able to add more and more power on the asymmetric engine until maximum power was reached, while keeping a reserve of rudder to correct for any wind gusts. We practiced a couple two-engine landings and aborts for good measure in case things really went wrong on game day. An hour later, we were headed for unfriendly territory toting 9MMs, flak jackets, and helmets-unusual for a P-3 crew.

We awoke early the next morning to uncharacteristically cool temperatures and winds in our favor. The cool weather was especially nice; as this would give us an additional 200 SHP per engine that we hadn't counted on. We updated our performance numbers and used the same techniques we had practiced, and found ourselves right where we thought we'd be on the takeoff roll. Only this time, we had 3,500 feet less runway than in practice. Our biggest concern throughout the takeoff was the loss of another engine. There would be a point in the takeoff where the aircraft would not have enough power with two engines to accelerate to a good climb speed nor would not have enough runway to abort with only two-engines for the reversal.

The tension in the cockpit was high. I concentrated on feeding the asymmetric power and staying on centerline, while the copilot and flight engineers concentrated on the engines. No engine failure occurred. All I heard was "rotate." The "Mighty Orion" leapt off the runway with plenty of power, and we were headed home. We studied all our divert options and paid close attention to the other engines and pressurization on the way home.

It was a long five hour flight covering a vast expanse of water and unfamiliar divert options. As sigh of relief from the entire crew could be heard as the approach controller gave us our initial vectors into home plate. An uneventful three-engine landing ensued, and, yes, we declared an emergency for the landing.

Lcdr. Van Fleet flies with VP-4.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Uneventful Trip - by LCdr. Robert Pereboom - Approach, March 2003..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/mar03/Uneventful.htm [27JUN2006]

While our squadron was deployed to Diego Garcia, one of our many missions was the primary medical-evacuation platform for personnel at that remote location. We already had conducted 13 medevacs in the first three months of deployment, so the odds of getting launched were good, however random the occurrences might be.

A call came in late one evening requesting a ready-alert launch to Singapore with a patient suffering from abdominal pains. We loaded the patient and departed for another zero-dark-30, six-hour flight to Singapore.

After being airborne for three hours, most of the crew and medical staff were sleeping or relaxing. We had flown through some decent weather, but that was about to change. The weather forecast had shown a large area of isolated thunderstorms we would have to pick through. Unfortunately, in the P-3, we do not have the luxury of flying over T-cells. Instead, we must choose the path of least resistance and use our surface-search radar as the primary means of weather avoidance.

The weather brief was accurate, and we picked our way around the weather, continually going in and out of the clouds. To be safe, I had everyone take a seat and buckle up, and the medical staff secured the patient and his gear.

The intensity of the weather increased. While in the clouds, we saw a spectacular Saint Elmo's fire display on the front windscreen. Caused by static electricity, this display creates lights on the windshield in a spider-web design. Many of the passengers came up front to watch, but I sent them back to strap in because the weather continued to deteriorate.

For about 20 minutes, we successfully had stayed out of heavy turbulence. Suddenly, we hit a pocket of windshear turbulence that lifted the entire aircraft and suspended everything in space. This condition lasted long enough for us to realize we were to sustain a rough jolt-then it hit! Everything not fastened down securely flew into the air.

Shortly after the aft crew reported everyone and everything were OK in the back, we saw a fuel-boost-pump light come on in the flight station. We executed the NATOPS procedures for this malfunction, and the flight engineer went to the aft CB panel to check if the circuit breaker had tripped. While he was there, a huge flash of lightning burst near the aircraft. This flash gave us our second malfunction of the night, a GEN OFF light. We now had lost one of our three generators.

I called for the FE to return to the flight station and received the worst news from our radar operator, "Sir, I just lost the radar." A bus transfer associated with the loss of the generator had caused the radar to fail. After a few expletives, we unsuccessfully tried the reset procedures for the generator. The radar operator worked to get the radar back on-line.

It was night, we were in the clouds, and the radar was down; we had no way of steering our way around the heaviest cells. I remembered the last call from the radar operator. He said a large cell was at our 2 o'clock, so we maintained a steady course. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, we popped out of the clouds, and I could see the light of dawn coming up in the east. Even better, though, I saw clear, blue sky and a straight shot to Singapore.

We delivered the patient, and no one was injured during the flight. We were fortunate to break out in the clear when we did and make it to Singapore without further incident. This trip reinforced three things about naval aviation:

. Know your NATOPS procedures. The malfunctions we faced were straightforward; however, we had no time to pull out the book and to go through the procedures step-by-step.
. Through careful engineering, our aircraft are designed to keep us flying under extreme circumstances. Our aircraft have numerous safety and backup features.
. ORM works. Faced with the forecast weather and the critical condition of the patient, there was no question the benefits outweighed the risks. We discussed the weather before takeoff and noted it was typical for this part of the world. An evaluation of the weather is part of our ORM process to determine whether a mission can be completed.

LCdr. Pereboom flies with VP-4.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Taking Off With One in the Bag - by Lcdr. Scott P. Van Fleet/ P-3C - Lcdr. Van Fleet flies with VP-4..." Naval Safety Center WebSite: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/vault/articles/2003/0619.htm [04JUN2005]

"Rotate" had just become our favorite word. We burned up 5,500 feet of runway, and had less than 3,000 feet left, and we already had lost one engine. Well, actually, we had planned on not having that one.

Two days prior, one of our crews was diverting to a remote field for fuel. During the approach the No. 3 engine had a chips light. They landed at the divert field and found "chunks" in the reduction gearbox. It would have to be changed. However, the divert field had serious force protection issues. The thought of having a group of maintainers working out on the wing for two days, completely vulnerable to a terrorist attack led the senior leadership in theater to consider other options.

We were asked if we could fly it out with three engines, the "Three-Engine Ferry Takeoff." It was in NATOPS, but none of us ever had performed one with the exception of the simulator. So, we gathered up as many of the senior pilots and flight engineers we could and started running the aircraft performance numbers. It looked doable, but we knew we'd feel a lot more comfortable if we could practice this and verify our calculations.

There was a P-3 available with about the same fuel load and weight. We practiced the takeoff several times. We had two senior instructor flight engineers setting power and taking data. The procedures came straight out of "Normal Procedures," which gives most pilots and flight engineers in the P-3 community a laugh. It hardly is normal to takeoff with an engine shutdown. So the practice validated our aircraft performance numbers and confirmed the techniques we were going to use. During the takeoff, I added power on the asymmetrical engine while holding the nose straight with nosewheel steering. With increasing airspeed and rudder effectiveness I was able to add more and more power on the asymmetric engine until maximum power was reached, while keeping a reserve of rudder to correct for any wind gusts. We practiced a couple two-engine landings and aborts for good measure in case things really went wrong on game day. An hour later, we were headed for unfriendly territory toting 9MMs, flak jackets, and helmets-unusual for a P-3 crew.

We awoke early the next morning to uncharacteristically cool temperatures and winds in our favor. The cool weather was especially nice; as this would give us an additional 200 SHP per engine that we hadn't counted on. We updated our performance numbers and used the same techniques we had practiced, and found ourselves right where we thought we'd be on the takeoff roll. Only this time, we had 3,500 feet less runway than in practice. Our biggest concern throughout the takeoff was the loss of another engine. There would be a point in the takeoff where the aircraft would not have enough power with two engines to accelerate to a good climb speed nor would not have enough runway to abort with only two-engines for the reversal.

The tension in the cockpit was high. I concentrated on feeding the asymmetric power and staying on centerline, while the copilot and flight engineers concentrated on the engines. No engine failure occurred. All I heard was "rotate." The "Mighty Orion" leapt off the runway with plenty of power, and we were headed home. We studied all our divert options and paid close attention to the other engines and pressurization on the way home.

It was a long five hour flight covering a vast expanse of water and unfamiliar divert options. As sigh of relief from the entire crew could be heard as the approach controller gave us our initial vectors into home plate. An uneventful three-engine landing ensued, and, yes, we declared an emergency for the landing.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030130-N-0226M-001 Naval Air Station North Island, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2003) "...A P-3C Orion patrol aircraft assigned to the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), takes off from Naval Air Station North Island. VP-4 was participating in exercises with the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Photographer's Mate Mahlon K. Miller. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=12009 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 031211-N-5640H-021 Kaneohe, Hawaii (Dec. 12, 2003) "...Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Frank Velez assigned to the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4), directs a P-3C Orion returning home from a six-month deployment to Japan. The crew shows their pride by waving the American Flag along with their Squadron Flag from the cockpit of the aircraft. The P-3C Orion is a land-based, long-range anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft hat provides effective undersea warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to naval and joint commanders. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1ST Evelyn P. Haywood (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=11030 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030727-N-5770O-008 Kuantan, Malaysia (Jul. 27, 2003) "...P-3C Orion flight engineer Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Alex Michelen, left, assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) makes adjustments during a familiarization flight for Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) personnel as Lt. Eric Cyre and RMAF Capt. Zalina Sciagip look on. The flight was a training event during the Malaysia phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). CARAT is a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises between the U.S. and several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Ken Ochsenreither. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=8774 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030820-N-7202E-001 Okinawa, Japan (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Qunita M. Triplett steadies a "turtleback" on the wing of a P-3C Orion assigned to the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) as Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Cory D. Irons gets the necessary tools to secure it to the aircraft. VP-4 is deployed to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Richard D. Estep. (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9113 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Pilots Take CARAT Training to Skies Above Brunei - Story Number: NNS030625-11 - Release Date: 6/25/2003 7:16:00 PM - By Lt. Chuck Bell, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Public Affairs..." WebSite: Navy Newstand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=8219 [12FEB2005]

VP-4 History 030625-N-0493B-004 Brunei Darussalam (Jun. 25, 2003) -- Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) pilot, Capt. Mohammad Sharif talks to his co-pilot, U.S Navy pilot Lt. j.g. Andrew Neboshynsky, during a familiarization flight in a Brunei version of the CN-235 Persuader multi-role transport and maritime surveillance aircraft. Lt.j.g. Neboshynsky assigned to the "Skinny Dragons " of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) is one of several U.S. pilots taking part in the flight as part of the weeklong Brunei phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). CARAT is a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises between the U.S. and several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Chuck Bell. (RELEASED)

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM (NNS) -- Pilots from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 climbed out of the classroom and behind the controls of a Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF) aircraft June 25, in a rare opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of their training partner's capabilities.

The familiarization flight, part of the Brunei phase of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), was one of a series of events in preparation for the first combined search and rescue (SAR) training operation for U.S. Navy and RBAF maritime surveillance aircraft.

"We find you learn only so much from a symposium," said RBAF Capt. Mohammad Sharif, explaining the purpose of the flight he piloted and coordinated in the fixed-wing CN-235 multi-role transport aircraft, used primarily for maritime surveillance by the RBAF. "You learn so much more when you get out of the classroom and in the air."

VP-4 pilots who co-piloted the CN-235 agreed, and said they found multiple benefits to the flight.

Lt. Cmdr. Scott Van Fleet, mission commander for the P-3C that will take part in the SAR training event, said that what he learned in the cockpit of the aircraft he'll operate in tandem with, will make for a more effective mission.

"When I see this plane out there, I know it will be him (Capt. Sharif) or someone he trained," he said after about 45 minutes in the co-pilot seat. "I'm really impressed with their professionalism. Having flown together, we've developed a measure of trust."

Van Fleet said that trust is critical to combined operations. So too, he said, is understanding the aircraft's characteristics.

"He can fly lower and slower," Van Fleet pointed out. "If I hadn't flown it, I might have made the assumption that they had radar and other systems similar to ours."

The RBAF's only CN-235 is without the installed robust detection systems of the P-3C Orion, instead relying on visual techniques of the crew. "It's good to have experienced the differences," Van Fleet added.

During the SAR training, the two aircraft will work with U.S. Navy and Royal Brunei Navy ships to locate a contact in the CARAT operating area.

The RBAF has SAR experience, Sharif said, but he is always looking for "ideas of how we can improve." The same goes for the VP-4 pilots. "They might have lessons learned that we can apply to our SAR techniques," Lt. j.g. Andrew Neboshynsky said, before his turn in the co-pilot seat.

"We tend to get scope-locked on our way of doing things," said Cmdr. Robert Raccosin, VP-4's commanding officer, in Brunei from his squadron's home base in Kaneohe, Hawaii, for the exercise phase. "It's always good to see how other people get their job done. It's good perspective for us."

The P-3C crew will include RBAF pilots in their aircraft during the SAR training, giving them firsthand exposure to Navy techniques that Sharif said he experienced last year during CARAT. The learning process is continual, he said, and this year he'll step aside, giving more junior pilots the opportunity.

VP-4 personnel are no strangers to SAR, Neboshynsky said, explaining that particularly when on deployment, his squadron always has a "ready" aircraft standing by. "The most common thing we're called upon for is search and rescue."

Continuing to build upon mission capabilities is always a goal of CARAT. But an added bonus of the familiarization flight, particularly for junior pilots, is confidence building that comes from "being able to jump into anything and fly it," Van Fleet said. "It's not often that you get to do this."

That benefit wasn't lost on young Neboshynsky, as he waited in the crew's lounge at Rimba Air Base before the mission and safety briefing. "I'll fly in anyone's aircraft," he said with a smile.

VP-4 is only a few weeks into a six-month, regularly-scheduled deployment to Misawa and Okinawa, Japan.

CARAT, a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises with several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, is designed to enhance interoperability of the U.S. sea services and those of friends and allies throughout the region in a variety of mission areas of mutual benefit. The Thailand phase took place June 6-13. Exercises with Singapore and Malaysia will round out the 2003 series over the coming month.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Change of Command Cermony - 11 APRIL 2003 - MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii..." Contributed by STRINGER, AW1(AW) Kenneth W. ken.stringer@outlook.com [19APR2003]

VP-4 Change-of-Command 11 APRIL 2003 4,278 KB

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...We had a change of command ceremony today. Here's a couple of snaps of 764, which was freshly painted for there occasion..." Contributed by STRINGER, AW1(AW) Kenneth W. ken.stringer@outlook.com [22FEB2003]
VP-4 History
VP-4 History

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Spouses Try Out Simulator - Story Number: NNS030227-09 - Release Date: 2/27/2003 11:02:00 AM - By Lt. j.g. Josh Calloway, Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5992..." [23MAR2005]

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (NNS) -- A new crop of replacement pilots was added to the cadre of aviators at Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 recently, as the VP-4 Officers' Spouses Club was invited to the John W. Finn Building at Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base.

With Lt. Eric Cyre and Lt. Mark Burns as their guides, the "Skinny Dragon" spouses enthusiastically fastened themselves into the operational flight trainer (OFT) to experience first hand the thrill of flying the P-3C Orion. According to Burns, "they made it look easy."

The spouses spent two hours taking turns at the flight controls. Burns noted that many of them were natural-born aviators. He was particularly impressed by the ability of Lisa Avalos, who "trimmed out the flight control forces like a pro."

When asked how she knew so much about flying, she stated that her husband, Lt. j.g. Peter ‘Steve' Avalos, "gave me some pointers so that I wouldn't make the same mistakes he made in flight school."

After her flight, Robin Payton, wife of VP-4's commanding officer, exclaimed, "I don't know what he makes such a big deal about. It's easy!" The ladies made it clear that they didn't think it was too difficult. "They should let me fly these," responded one spouse.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Skinny Dragons' Return to Hawaii - Story Number: NNS030219-08 - Release Date: 2/19/2003 12:32:00 PM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5875..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

Skinny Dragons' Return to Hawaii
Story Number: NNS030219-08
Release Date: 2/19/2003 12:32:00 PM
By Lt. Mark Brummett, Partrol Squadon 4 Public Affairs

KANEOHE, Hawaii (NNS) -- More than 30 "Skinny Dragons" from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 returned home to Hawaii Sunday.

Since Jan. 9, VP-4 has been deployed to Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., along with aircrews and maintenance personnel from Patrol Squadron (VP) 40, reserve Patrol Squadron (VP) 65, and Canadian squadrons MP405 and MP407.

For more than three weeks, they flew in support of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Battle Group in the waters off San Diego as part of two exercises, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX 3-02) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX 3-02).

These two exercises are normally held four weeks apart, but current events required that they be held successively. Operations Specialist 1st Class Geoffrey Decker, the detachment assistant officer in charge (AOIC), commented on the increased pace. "These are definitely high-tempo operations. The USS Nimitz Battle Group is working on a compressed time schedule to be prepared for any contingency."

Flying the P-3C Orion, crews were tasked with a variety of missions. Though the primary mission of the P-3 during the two exercises was anti-submarine warfare, they also conducted anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction operations (MIO) and sea surface control missions. During a MIO event, an aircraft improvement program version of the P-3C transmitted digital images directly to the battle group via line-of-sight communication link. This groundbreaking transfer demonstrated that future missions wouldn't need to rely on satellites or ground stations to transfer imagery to the battle group.

Though most missions were in direct support of the battle group, some missions were flown as the opposing force. Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Petty Officer David Gorby from VP-4 stated, "Playing the bad guy is a great experience, and you really get to know the capabilities of the fleet."

He should know, since his P-3C was intercepted by an F/A-18 Hornet while patrolling the skies.

Not only were the crews from both squadrons working together in the air, but maintenance and other support personnel were working hand-in-hand as well. Chief Aviation Electronic's Mate (AW) Nolen Kell of VP-40 said, "This has been the best detachment personality-wise that I've seen. We might as well have come from the same squadron."

Lt. Cmdr. Jack Thomas, detachment officer in charge, added, "There is no doubt that the maintenance personnel from both VP-4 and VP-40 were the reason we had success during this detachment."

The detachment received recognition from several people, including Commander, 3rd Fleet; Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces Pacific; and Commander, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For now, the North Island Detachment has been disestablished, and the battle group has returned to port. As the Nimitz Battle Group prepares for deployment, VP-4 will continue preparations to support her in theater later this year.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Skinny Dragons Train in Nevada - Story Number: NNS030203-06 - Release Date: 2/3/2003 10:01:00 AM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5652..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

Skinny Dragons Train in Nevada
Story Number: NNS030203-06
Release Date: 2/3/2003 10:01:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. John Wickham, Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4, the "Skinny Dragons," based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, recently traveled to Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nev., to participate in training exercises with squadrons from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11.

Carrier air wings routinely train at Fallon under the direction of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) as an essential part of their inter-deployment training cycle. Since 1999, P-3C Orion squadrons have been participating in this training to highlight the platform's capabilities and to better integrate VP into the strike support mission.

This mission has gained more prominence since the advent of the aircraft improvement program modification to the P-3, which brings with it new capabilities that lend themselves to support the Navy's strike warfare mission.

Additionally, NSAWC is the Navy's model manager for the air combat training continuum, which includes programs and instruction for all aviation communities that lead to designation as weapons tactics instructors (WTIs). Since 2000, selected VP aircrews have received this training and currently some 35 WTIs have been designated in the fleet.

The detachment was one of many firsts for this exercise. A total of 22 aircrew and maintenance personnel from VP-4 participated, and for the first time, a second P-3 and crew, VP-40, the "Fighting Marlins," based at NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., also participated.

In addition to the crews and aircraft, four weapons tactics instructors from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Pacific at Kaneohe Bay, and VP-30 at Jacksonville, Fla., brought their expertise to assist in the training.

This was the first time that multiple fleet aircrew and WTIs participated simultaneously in an air wing detachment, but as Cmdr. Robert "Rocky" Racoosin, executive officer of VP-4, said, "It was the first of many - this is exactly the direction that VP has been working toward."

The Fallon detachment brought together all of CVW-11's squadrons for four weeks of complex training in strike warfare, amphibious operations, joint battlefield operations, combat air support, and combat search and rescue. These exercises were used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the air wing in each of their primary mission areas.

During the last phase of the exercise, both squadrons' aircrews flew daily, providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the CVW. This training was especially crucial to the CVW staff, who were receiving training in asset management and employment, including assets not normally assigned to the air wing. The nature of the exercise allowed aircrews to hone their skills and gain valuable real-world experience.

Lt. Todd Izydorski, VP-4's intelligence officer, remarked on the value of data collection from P-3 units. He said, "We were able to locate simulated mobile surface-to-air missile systems, and we provided near real-time imagery to the air wing. Having the P-3 on station allowed the strikers to successfully carry out their missions."

The P-3 aircrews flew more than 50 hours during eight events. The maintenance personnel assigned to the detachment worked around the clock to service the aircraft and to keep them flying. Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Amy Durand, a member of the ordnance load team, said, "The location provided great cold-weather training for uploading and downloading the standoff land attack missile."

Maintainers such as Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Robert Cummings said, "It was a great time in Fallon. It was difficult being away from family so close to the holidays, but we still gained some experience and learned more about new gear. Everybody worked together, helping each other to get the job done."

Thanks in part to the Skinny Dragons, the Fighting Marlins and the WTIs, CVW-11 is now mission-ready for its upcoming deployment.

Circa 2002

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...You Found What in My Fuel? - by Lt. Luke Hofacker - Mech Winter 2002-2003..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/mar03/Uneventful.htm [28JUN2006]

A patrol-plane commander asked that question after maintenance control called at 0500 and told him that his 0600 flight was cancelled because of large debris in the P-3C's fuel sample. That first tidbit of information would lead to an extraordinary case of contaminated fuel.

Three days earlier, the PPC had led a crew to accept a P-3C from phased depot maintenance (PDM). His crew had flown three functional check flights (FCFs) before accepting the aircraft. After the acceptance formalities were complete, the crew flew a short reposition flight before returning home to Marine Corp Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay (K-Bay).

The fuel samples taken before the flight to K-Bay revealed all four wing tanks and the fuselage tank were contaminated. The aircraft was downed, pending further research into what caused the problem. Two quarts of fuel were drained from all fuel tanks for analysis by the local base fuel lab. Initial analysis reported dirt, paint chips, explosive-suppressant-foam (ESF) debris, and what appeared to be grass in the fuel. The lab tested fuel from the fuel truck and found no contamination.

When the aircraft was in PDM, the ESF was removed and reinstalled, so they could do a wing spar inspection. When more than 25 percent of the ESF is removed from any single fuel tank, procedures in NavAir 01-1A-35 require a tank flush. Those procedures had been followed, so the reason for the high amount of foam particles is unknown. The research also did not determine why dirt, paint chips, and grass were in the fuel.

While the lab was doing their tests, maintainers did a fuel-system ground test and found foam debris in the inlet and outlet side of the fuel heater's strainer on each engine. They decontaminated the fuel system, repaired the aircraft, and returned it to service.

The evidence supports that the fuel tanks were contaminated during PDM, but we were fortunate the fuel sample was found before the aircraft returned to K-Bay. If the contamination had not been discovered on the ground, and the fuel filters had become clogged over open ocean, the results could have been tragic.

Lt. Luke Hofacker is the aviation safety officer for VP-4.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030614-N-9662L-009 Okinawa, Japan (Jun. 14, 2002) "...Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Ines J. Ramos from Quitman, Texas, makes adjustments to a propeller mount during a propeller installation on a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft. Petty Officer Ramos is assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) currently forward deployed to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John F. Looney. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=8073 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030614-N-9662L-005 Okinawa, Japan (Jun. 14, 2002) "...Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Ines J. Ramos from Quitman, Texas, torques a propeller nut during a propeller installation on a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft. Petty Officer Ramos is assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John F. Looney. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=8072 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030613-N-9662L-005 Okinawa, Japan (Jun. 13, 2002) "...Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Dexter A. Desamito from Fairfield, Calif., performs a safety check on a newly installed landing light from the cockpit of a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft. Petty Officer Desamito is assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John F. Looney. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=8066 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 030613-N-9662L-001 Okinawa, Japan (Jun. 13, 2002) "...Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class Dexter A. Desamito from Fairfield, Calif., installs a new landing light on a P-3C Orion patrol aircraft. Petty Officer Desamito is assigned to Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John F. Looney. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=8064 [05MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Skinny Dragons Get Rare Chance to See Inside JDS Makishio - Story Number: NNS021227-06 - Release Date: 12/26/2002 7:00:00 AM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5158..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

Skinny Dragons Get Rare Chance to See Inside JDS Makishio
Story Number: NNS021227-06
Release Date: 12/26/2002 7:00:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. Jason Gaudette, Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The commanding officer of JDS Makishio (SS 593), Japan's newest diesel-electric submarine, recently welcomed the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 aboard for a tour and demonstration.

The tour culminated several weeks of training between Makishio and the submarine and maritime patrol forces of the United States.

Makishio, commissioned in March 2001, houses 71 crew members and some of the most sophisticated submarine technology in the world. Displacing more than 2,700 tons, Makishio is Japan's most capable submarine, able to launch heavyweight torpedoes and harpoon missiles.

Throughout Makishio's training in the waters surrounding Hawaii, patrol forces from Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, had the opportunity to hone their skills at finding and tracking this very sophisticated submarine.

VP-4 operates the P-3C Orion, a highly effective anti-submarine platform. Recent advances in sensor technology have greatly improved the aircraft's ability to detect small targets, such as Makishio, in a difficult, shallow-water environment. During the 20 sorties supporting Makishio's training, all Orion aircraft gained contact and could have successfully engaged the submarine.

The Skinny Dragons' tour of Makishio provided P-3 aircrewmen a new perspective on submarines.

"Being able to see how submarines see things greatly enhances your situational awareness when trying to find one," said Lt. Cmdr. Jack Thomas, VP-4's tactics officer.

Climbing from torpedo room to the engine room, VP-4 was afforded the opportunity to see and ask many questions.

"There is nothing like seeing the things that make the noises we are looking for," said Lt. j.g. Beth Gray, VP-4's anti-surface warfare improvement program officer.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Constellation Underway With Help From Skinny Dragons - Story Number: NNS021218-17 - Release Date: 12/18/2002 11:40:00 AM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=5096..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

Constellation Underway With Help From Skinny Dragons
Story Number: NNS021218-17
Release Date: 12/18/2002 11:40:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. Jason Gaudette, Patrol Squadron 4 Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The USS Constellation (CV 64) Battle Group, homeported in San Diego, is now underway and mission ready, thanks in part to the "Skinny Dragons" of Patrol Squadron 4 (VP-4).

Members of VP-4, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay, recently traveled to San Diego to participate in the joint fleet exercise (JTFEX) for the Constellation Battle Group and the composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) for the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Battle Group.

The JTFEX was the last series of exercises for Constellation's battle group before they departed San Diego for a six-month deployment.

The COMPTUEX was held to prepare Carl Vinson for its upcoming JTFEX, to be held early next year. A total of seven aircrews and 15 maintenance personnel participated in the 17-day event.

JTFEX and COMPTUEX are used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of each battle group in each of their primary mission areas. During the exercise, the P-3 Orion aircrews flew almost around the clock, participating with other ships and submarines in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The nature of the exercises allowed aircrews to hone their ASW skills and gain valuable real-world experience.

"The training was incredible," said Lt. Rick Pool, an upgrading tactical coordinator with Combat Air Crew 9. "Both the battle group and the maritime patrol aircraft crews gained a better understanding of their respective roles within the tactical picture."

VP-4 flew 50 events for a total of more than 270 hours. The maintenance personnel assigned to the detachment worked around the clock to service the aircraft and keep them flying.

In January, VP-4 will again travel to San Diego to support the Vinson battle group during its JTFEX. With this continued dedication and support, the group will be ready to tackle any challenge they face during their upcoming deployment.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Aircraft Gets a Makeover in Phase Maintenance - Story Number: NNS021203-13 - Release Date: 12/3/2002 10:49:00 AM...http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=4766..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

Aircraft Gets a Makeover in Phase Maintenance
Story Number: NNS021203-13
Release Date: 12/3/2002 10:49:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Phil Hasenkamp, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

KANEOHE, Hawaii (NNS) -- Looking up from a thick stack of maintenance cards, Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Elizabeth Simpson glances at her day's project before going to work on it. The massive hulk of aircraft fuselage in front of her needs a lot of work, and it's come to the right place.

Simpson's shop is where P-3C Orion mission readiness begins and ends. As a member of the Phase Maintenance Team at Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Simpson helps give complete makeovers to aircraft before they get back on the runway.

"We're doing ‘man on stand turns.' They turn on the engines, and we get close enough to check for air leaks inside," she said, dwarfed by the exposed Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop, 4,600 horsepower beast she'll examine this day.

With propellers attached, four of these engines are the means by which a P-3C Orion takes to the air. "I've always liked big engines. There's just something about the power," Simpson said.

Armed with a helmet, goggles and a peerless attention to detail, Simpson plays a pivotal role in her squadron's ability to meet its operational requirements. She's on the front lines in a war against aircraft attrition.

"It feels good to get the engines up and running. It makes you feel good to be able to say: ‘I helped in fixing that engine.'" she said. "It feels like I'm doing something to help the squadron with the missions that we have."

But she's not alone in her effort. Phase maintenance represents a total team effort.

"When you come in each morning, you pretty much know what you have to do. You can count on working hard the whole time," Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Blake Metcalf said, wiping his hands clean after a morning spent working on the body of a P-3. "The length of your day depends on the quality of your work, and how well you cooperate with other people."

As a structural mechanic, Metcalf spends his days repairing the skin of the aircraft. "Generally, there is a lot of external corrosion and exfoliation. It's not really something you can see coming, but you have to know how to take care of it if and when it happens," he said, adding that much of what he does involves two staple Navy activities - sanding and painting.

The phase maintenance shop is a congregation of specialists from throughout the command. It's a place where people from many different work backgrounds come together to complete a finished product.

"We pretty much strip down the plane, replace the stuff that needs to be replaced, repair everything, troubleshoot stuff, and then put everything back together again," Metcalf added.

VP-4 owns 10 P-3C Orion aircraft. After 224 days of operation, each aircraft must enter phase, or overhaul maintenance.

"Every phase in phase maintenance corresponds to a set of engines," Aviation Electrician 2nd Class Jason West said of phases alpha, bravo, charlie and delta. West's job is to work on the complicated electronics systems in the engines.

"We test and retest one engine with an alternate. The whole time, other people are working on different parts of the aircraft. So by the end, we have the whole package ready to go," he added.

Teamwork is not undervalued.

"Everyone in this shop relies on each other and works with one another in some way. It's impossible to do a solo job," West said. "If you don't do your job right, the plane won't take off. Or worse yet, if it takes off, it might crash if something wasn't done right in phase maintenance."

But matching the right specialties and training to the right job is a labor in it's own right. Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class AoaPoa Augafa, phase maintenance leading petty officer, calls it a conundrum.

"The challenge is getting to know the aircraft and the aircraft systems," he said. "After that, you can start putting together the maintenance puzzle. That involves matching the right people to the right jobs."

Often, doing a job in the phase maintenance shop can serve a dual purpose.

"Sometimes, we like to have an untrained person tag along with someone who is going to do a specific task," Augafa, an 18-year Navy veteran said. "You tend to learn from experience that way."

A single P-3 can provide a hefty workload for phase maintainers at VP-4, but oftentimes they have much more to deal with.

"If you have one aircraft in the shop, you can count on eight to nine hour workdays," West said. "But it's pretty common to have two or three P-3s in here. At that point, we're coming in for 12 or 13 hours per day. We're here on weekends, too, if necessary."

But hard work at VP-4 results in a unique feeling of satisfaction.

"It's hard to see the results of your work on home-cycle," West added. "But when we're on deployment, doing missions, there is a real sense of pride associated with knowing that the planes coming back from successful missions wouldn't have flown if it wasn't for your hard work."

With a little more than six months before their next deployment, Sailors in VP-4's phase maintenance shop are preparing the workhorses of their squadron's upcoming missions. Dedicated to their never-ending task, the maintainers are contributing to the overall readiness of the fleet.

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-4 History "...020324-N-5362A-005 Forward deployed with Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) Mar. 24, 2002 -- Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Brian Leonard loads a AGM-65 "Maverick" air-to surface missile on a P-3 "Orion." VP-4 is conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo Abrahamson. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-4 History "...020319-N-5362A-002 Camp Justice, Operation Enduring Freedom (Mar. 19, 2002) -- A U.S. Navy P-3C "Orion" from Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) sits on the flight line of a forward deployed base, awaiting its next mission with the war on terror. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Arlo Abrahamson. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/ [22FEB2003]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...ADMIRAL TOUTS ROLE OF NAVY'S P-3 RECON AIRCRAFT IN AFGHANISTAN WAR..." Contributed by LARSON, LCDR John Larson Retired oriondriver1975@yahoo.com [21JAN2002]

Rear Adm. Anthony Winns, Commander of the Pacific Fleet's Patrol and Reconnaissance force, says the Navy's P-3C Orion aircraft are playing a significant role in the war in Afghanistan by providing Marines and other forces with valuable imagery from overhead.

"Once the Marines were sent into Afghanistan, the focus of P-3 operations in the region shifted to help provide force protection for ground forces at Camp Rhino", he said in a telephone interview last week from Kaneohe Bay, HI.

"More recently, we've been providing around-the-clock support for the Marines in the Kandahar region," said Winns, referring to a Southern region of Afghanistan where many Marines are stationed. Before the Marines entered Afghanistan, the P-3s were supporting other special forces, he said. The VP-9 Orion squadron, which just completed a successful deployment in that region, has been replaced by VP-4, he said. A typical squadron includes 10 aircraft and 11 aircrews, he said.

The P-3C, made by Lockheed Martin, is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft. The Navy has been upgrading aging P-3s through efforts such as the Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement Program, which enhances sensors, weapons and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The AIP includes the incorporation of Standoff Land Attack Missiles and Maverick missiles.

"We are there on station the whole time," said Winns. "We're providing real-time imagery.

The streaming video is something that is fairly new. That's being provided to ground-based forces." The aircraft is equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors, as well as synthetic aperture radar, Winns noted. The streaming video is not necessarily for targeting but it is providing a picture of the landscape to the task force commander, according to the admiral.

"Basically, he can see a lot further out in front of his position," said Winns. Meanwhile, P-3 aircraft are continuing to support maritime interdiction operations in the Persian Gulf and performing armed carrier battle group escort missions and surveillance missions in that region, he said. Winns said there is no doubt the P-3s are in high demand.

"The operational tempo is more than twice the normal 5th Fleet op-tempo, for a VP squadron. So, we ratcheted it up quite a bit," he said. "Also, VP-9, which just came back from deployment last week ... flew more armed missions in the Persian Gulf region than have been flown by a VP squadron since the Vietnam War." The admiral would not say if any of those missions required P-3s to fire weapons at an enemy target.

Winns said the U.S. Commander of the Maritime Interdiction Operation in the Persian Gulf recently praised the performance of P-3 forces.

"The [P-3] squadron is providing imagery of the ships that we suspect are smuggling oil out of Iraq," said Winns. That capability gives the U.S. forces real-time information about the appearance of suspected smuggling vessels, he said.

---

Circa 2001

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Commander: P-3s Providing Vital Support To Operation Enduring Freedom Defense Daily 12/20/01 author: Frank Wolfe..." Counter Seat WebSite: http://www.centerseat.net/p3news.htm [01SEP2005]

Ten Lockheed Martin [LMT] P-3 aircraft are providing vital support to commanders in Operation Enduring Freedom against the Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, a Navy official said yesterday. The VP-9 "Golden Eagles," a squadron of 10 P-3s based at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, just returned after a monthlong deployment in support of the operation. VP-4, the "Skinny Dragons," has replaced VP-9. VP-9 has five aircraft with Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement (AIP) kits, while VP-4 has four of the planes. "The AIP aircraft has emerged as the platform of choice to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for land based and sea based operational commanders in Operation Enduring Freedom," Rear Adm. Anthony Winns, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet's Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, told Defense Daily in a telephone interview. "The most sought after capability has been the long range electro- optical suite which is part of AIP," Winns said. Canada's Wescam [WES] builds the AIMS pod, which contains the electro-optical suite and an infrared suite. VP-9 was the first squadron to deploy with the AIP kits, which also include the Raytheon [RTN] APS-137 synthetic aperture radar and communications improvements (Defense Daily, July 17, 1998). Since the arrival of VP-4 in theater for operations over Afghanistan, "we've been providing streaming video to the ground force commander so he has a direct video link and they can see the ground force commander," Winns said. "The Marines at Camp Rhino in Afghanistan can see what the P-3 is looking at, what we call eyes on target, for force protection for troops on the ground, aircraft over the target and for ships in the littoral." The AIP-equipped P-3s can provide commanders with real time live video from two of its three suites: electro-optical, infrared and synthetic aperture radar. Using the tactical common data link, a P-3 AIP plane can transmit such data "well beyond" line of sight, Winns said. In addition, the AIP P-3s can fire Boeing [BA] Standoff Land Attack Missiles (SLAM), which they shot during Operation Allied Force against Serbia more than two years ago. Winns said that the P-3s have been flying armed missions throughout Operation Enduring Freedom. The P-3s can carry torpedoes, depth bombs, mines, rockets, SLAMs, Harpoons and Raytheon [RTN] Maverick missiles. A senior naval officer in the Arabian Gulf region praised the performance of the P-3s last week, writing that VP-9 had carried out the "most significant maritime patrol" since Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and had provided target identification to commanders on Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces. The commander of a destroyer squadron patrolling the region to interdict vessels trying to smuggle oil out of Iraq wrote that the P-3s had provided Naval Special Warfare support and "unrelenting enforcement of United Nations sanctions against Iraq," including the intercept of more than 40 smuggler vessels and the diversion of "hundreds of millions of dollars of illicit oil." Winns said that the P-3s are able to transmit imagery in less than 15 minutes to the destroyer squadron commander to facilitate the boarding of vessels carrying Iraqi oil. P-3s were deployed to the region before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but since then operations tempo for the aircraft has doubled, Winns said.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation News - March, 2001 by Amy L. Pittmann, Ed Wright - VP-4, based at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, assisted the Coast Guard off the coast of Guam in locating a vessel reported overdue on 7 October 2000. The P-3 Orion made a four-hour transit from Okinawa to Guam in search of the 24-foot boat St. George. The Orion crew covered more than 3,000 square miles with the assistance of a civilian helicopter. They located the vessel and stayed on scene until USCG cutter Galveston Island arrived to render aid..." http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0IAX/is_3_83/ai_74361765 [27MAR2005]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Russell Rescues - B-1B Air Crew - By Commander Hank Miranda '83, Commanding Officer..." http://www.usna.com/News_Pubs/Publications/Shipmate/2002/03/Alumni.htm [05JUL2003]

At 9:45 on the evening of 12 December 2001, Russell was conducting air and surface defense of Diego Garcia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when a USAF B-1B declared an in-flight emergency. A few moments later Russell (DDG-59) lost radar contact on the aircraft. We immediately assumed the duties as search and rescue commander and on scene commander, came to full power, and proceeded to our best estimate of the B-1B's last known position, about 50 nautical miles away. Just prior to losing radar contact on the B-1B, Russell was concluding an air defense exercise with Royal Australian Air Force F-18s in the area. Upon losing radar contact with the B-1B we vectored the RAAF F-18s to the last known position of the B-1B. The RAAF pilots did not see any signs of the B-1B. The F-18s were low on fuel and had to return to base. At the same time we coordinated search activities with a USAF KC-10 in the area and immediately called for the launch of the alert P-3 from VP-4 on NSF Diego Garcia. A MSC ship, M/V Franklin Phillips was also proceeding to the area to render assistance if required. Russell has no embarked helicopter capability.

Every member of the crew was actively preparing for or engaged in executing the SAR procedures. Russell Tactical Action Officer, Lieutenant Eric Herbert, was actively coordinating the search efforts of the airborne KC-10 and briefing the P-3 about to arrive on station. The Operations Officer, Lieutenant John Schmidt '92, and the CiC team broke out the publications, checklists, and sent the required messages to alert all concerned of the events as they were taking place while developing the search plan. The pilot house team with OOD, Ensign Jesse Sycuro, the navigator, Lieutenant Ed Sundberg '97, and JOOD, Lieutenant Andy Newsome '98, carefully plotted a course to the estimated vicinity of the downed aircraft. The estimated area of the downed aircraft was in a very shallow area of the Indian Ocean known as the Great Chagos Bank. The boat decks were getting prepared to launch the ship's Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to search and retrieve the downed air crew.

The KC-10 almost immediately received signals from the emergency beacon of the downed aircraft and later was in radio contact with one of the downed pilots in the water. The downed pilot was in the vicinity of the eastern edge of the Great Chagos Bank. Our track took the ship as close to the eastern bank as possible and to the location of one of the downed pilots.

There is a coral reef that surrounds the Great Chagos Bank with coral and rock protrusions above water to depths from 3 feet to 55 feet. The bank covers an area 87 nautical miles by 65 nautical miles. The depth of water in the bank ranges from 3 feet to 300 feet with coral reefs throughout the inside of the bank. The night sky was overcast with no moon. There were intermittent thunderstorms throughout the evening. The seas were 3 feet to 5 feet with winds about 10 to 15 knots from the northwest.

We arrived in the vicinity of the downed pilot in about 1.5 hours. Because of the circumstances and location of the rescue, I placed one of my most experienced department heads in charge of the RHIB rescue team and assigned extra crewmembers to the RHIBs. The RHIBs were also well provisioned with extra water, MREs, and first aid gear. We conducted a brief for the rescue team in the pilot house before they deployed. The RHIB rescue team consisted of: Lieutenant Dan Manetzke (team leader), Lieutenant Junior Grade Greg Moselle (boat officer), Lieutenant Junior Grade Dave Hardy '99 (boat officer), ENC (SW) Bruce Leech (boat engineer), EN1 (SW) Anthony Rivera (boat engineer), BM1 (SW) Kaius Achen (boat coxswain), BM2 (SW) Michael Robinson, OS2 (SW) Daniel Graff (SAR swimmer), STG2 (SW) James Emmons (SAR swimmer), HMC (SW) Greg Cook (corpsman), HM3 Alton Love (corpsman), and SM3 (SW) Terry Brady (boat signalman).

Lieutenant Manetzke as the RHIB team leader, needed to ensure a safe opening was located in the reef in order to proceed to the first pilot located by the KC-10. The RHIB draft is 3 feet. If the RHIBs had to go further to the west by 5 to 10 nautical miles, the RHIBs and their crew would be on their own over the horizon and out of visual sight of the ship. If the RHIBs had engine problems or needed any kind of assistance and went too far toward the center of the bank, they could only be reached by a helicopter. The nearest helicopters were several days away. We were trained to operate the RHIBs over the horizon using a system called SEA PLOT that can track the RHIBs. All of the publications such as "Notice to Mariners" and "Sailing Directions" warn mariners not to go in or near the Great Chagos Bank, especially at night. The SAR could have ended up being for the RHIB crews as well.

The KC-10 and the P-3 were now overhead the debris field marking the location of one of the pilots and the RHIBs. In addition to the normal RHIB crew of a boat officer, a coxswain, and an engineer, we put a SAR swimmer and a corpsman in each RHIB. We also sent a signalman in one of the RHIBs to maintain communications as a backup to the radios. At distances approaching the horizon from the ship, hand held radios do not work well. Our signalman used flashing light to communicate effectively with the ship.

Once the RHIBs were in the vicinity of the first pilot located by the KC-10, the other air crewmen were located in the vicinity. One air crewman had a strobe light and another a flare. Three of the air crewmen were picked up directly from the RHIBs. One of the SAR swimmers, STG2 (SW) Emmons, entered the water to cut the air crewman from his parachute. The air crewman was also having back spasms and had to be brought into the RHIB in a stretcher. The RHIBs recovered all air crewmen in a challenging area where there was fuel in the water, a known shark presence, aircraft debris, and possible unexploded ordnance that may have been in the general vicinity. All of the air crew members were in good condition and received first aid treatment by the RHIB corpsman. All of the air crewmen were brought back to Russell safely. Russell then proceeded to Diego Garcia to transfer the air crewmen to awaiting tugboats at the entrance to the harbor. The air crewmen were then taken to Diego Garcia medical facilities.

The professionalism and the teamwork demonstrated by Russell crew cannot be overstated. It is a great honor to serve with each and every one of the officers and crew of Russell. All crewmembers who were not on watch at the time of the recovery operations were topside standing lookout for the air crewmen in the water. All were looking for signals and lights. No one told them to do that. They just did it. The mission was also a team effort by the USAF KC-10 and the P-3 overhead and the support personnel on the island of Diego Garcia. From the time we received an indication that the B-1B was in trouble to the time we had all the air crewmen safely in Russell was about 3.5 hours. The events of the evening of 12 December will be long remembered by everyone in Russell. We were all glad that we were able to return all of the USAF air crewmen safely home.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Skinny Dragons Win Battle "E" - COMNAVAIRPAC Press Release 2001..." [20JUN2003]

The Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) were presented the Battle Efficiency Award for Patrol and Reconnaissance, Pacific Fleet for the year 2000. VP-4 was selected over eight squadrons located at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.

The Battle Efficiency or Battle "E" award goes to ships and squadrons who demonstrate sustained superior performance with the emphasis on operational proficiency. The selection process includes a number of required assessments including crew and overall squadron qualifications, as well as a review of the command's programs and procedures that have produced an integrated team effort to achieve command goals.

During a special awards ceremony, Rear Admiral Michael Holmes, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet, presented the Battle "E" plaque to the COMPATRECONFORPAC and VP-4 Sailor of the Year, AW1 Dane Hill. "I am pleased to see the award back on the island and once again with the Skinny Dragons," RADM Holmes said.

During a recent six-month deployment, the Skinny Dragons showed their colors while supporting SEVENTH Fleet operations. Maintaining deployment sites in Misawa and Okinawa, Japan, VP-4 flew over 4,800 hours and conducted 27 multi-national exercises. One of the most impressive aspects of the deployment was the squadron's role in the Combined Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises, which promotes team spirit and interoperability with our allies in the Pacific. Among the countries involved were Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines. ADCS Philip Decker, with the Operations department detachment in Okinawa, Japan, coordinated many of the multi-national exercises. "The logistics associated with organizing each exercise was immense. It took a lot of coordination between the host nation, our own embassies, and the aircrews participating in the exercises." Commitments were held, even when Mother Nature didn't cooperate. Six hurricane evacuations were accomplished throughout the season sending aircrews, often on short notice, to safer locations.

Throughout the deployment, six submarine prosecutions were conducted, highlighting the role of the P-3 Orion as the Navy's leading Undersea Warfare (USW) platform.

Safety is another aspect of the Battle "E", as the Skinny Dragons flew without incident. Flight hours without incident or mishap is a major factor for the competing squadrons. VP-4 continues its outstanding safety record, entering its 29th year of mishap-free flight

The maintenance department kept up with the grueling operating tempo of deployment and still managed to put nine aircraft through major scheduled maintenance overhauls. VP-4 had the highest mission capable aircraft rate of any recent Patrol Squadron deployed to Misawa, Japan.

Even with all the tactical mission successes the Skinny Dragons had during the six-month Western Pacific deployment, one of the most rewarding highlights were the 22 saved lives credited to the Skinny Dragons during 20 Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. "If this was the only thing you accomplished during the year, you could be extremely proud of yourselves," RADM Holmes stated.

The Admiral closed out his speech with a challenge to the squadron to once again retain the Battle "E" award for the P-3 Pacific Fleet. In fact, the Skinny Dragons accomplished this feat recently in 1996 -1997 and have won the award three of the last five years.

During the inter-deployment training cycle, the Skinny Dragons will be able to prove themselves worthy of yet another Battle "E" award with a full schedule of detachments throughout the world. Most recently, a crew from VP-4 returned from NAS North Island after working with the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) Carrier Battle Group. Here in Hawaii, crews from VP-4 and VP-9 participated in round-the-clock coordinated operations in support of USW exercise SILENT FURY.

Commander Doug Yancey, has been VP-4 Commanding Officer since April of this year. He served as Executive Officer for the Skinny Dragons the previous year.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...JMSDF Brings DET to Kaneohe Bay..." http://www.airpac.navy.mil/news/pr2001/pr01-058.asp [02MAR2003]

Patrol Squadron FOUR (VP-4) welcomed a detachment of aircrews from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) that arrived at MCBH Kaneohe Bay. The detachment (PATRON DET 36) of five P-3 Orion aircraft will participate in a series of local area flights and a number of joint training missions around the neighbor islands for a period of four weeks.

JMSDF sends aircrews to Kaneohe Bay throughout the year, but a detachment of this size only happens once. The majority of the crews are flying from Kanoya Air Base, in the city of Kaboshima, Japan.

The Skinny Dragons will be the host squadron to DET 36 during their four-week stay. Along with the many training flights scheduled, several other events are planned. Lieutenant John Wigglesworth will brief the detachment about local area flight rules and fly a familiarization flight around the islands, while Lieutenant Craig Exum will give a brief on current Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) tactics used today by our allies. A number of social events are planned.

The Skinny Dragons were not the only ones to welcome DET 36 to Oahu. The United Japanese Society of Hawaii welcomed the aircrews after their long flight. Acting as a liaison to the Japanese consulate, the society will help the visiting members by providing assistance of a more individual nature. President Kenneth Saiki, a former JMSDF Captain, described the society as both a cultural and social organization. "We're here to welcome the detachment and offer our support by bring a little bit of home to Hawaii."

Greeting official guests from Japan is a normal function of the society. With such a large group coming to Hawaii, the society has special plans during the four-week stay. Several social events are planned, as well as a trip to the first Japanese Naval Cemetery located outside of Japan.

The detachment gives the Skinny Dragons an opportunity to return a few favors to JMSDF as VP-4 recently returned from a Western Pacific deployment. Commander Tyrone Payton, the Executive Officer of the Skinny Dragons stated, "It's always a pleasure to host our allies and repay the warm hospitality we receive during our deployment to Japan."

During that time, VP-4 maintained two deployment sites in Japan, one in Misawa and the other on the island of Okinawa. Several functions were held at both sites from softball games to a visit to a traditional Japanese bathhouse. JMSDF Patrol Squadron FIVE was one of the squadrons to host the Skinny Dragons with open arms.

PATRON DET 36 will depart Kaneohe Bay on June 7 for the mainland as they continue their two-month training detachment in San Diego, CA and Whidbey Island, WA. While in San Diego, JMSDF will participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX-01), a multi-national exercise involving aircrews from Whidbey Island, WA, Canada and Australia as well. All nations will fly the P-3 alongside several Skinny Dragon aircrews during the exercise. The DET will return to Oahu for another two-week stay before crossing the Pacific to Japan.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Skinny Dragons' welcomes new commander - By Lt. Mark Brummett - VP-4 Public Affairs - Volume 26 - Issue 16 - April 27, 2001..." http://www.hnn.navy.mil/Archives/010427/vp4_042701.htm [02MAR2003]

With few variations, Patrol Squadron change of command ceremonies are identical to every other in the fleet.

Whether held on the fantail of a destroyer, the hangar deck of an aircraft carrier, or in the hangar of an aviation unit, the heart of the ceremony is the formal reading of official orders.

Command passes upon the salute and utterance by the relieving officer, "I relieve you, Sir."The officer being relieved returns the salute and responds, "I stand relieved."This simple ceremony reflects the dedication of free men and women serving their nation proudly.

Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) held a change of command ceremony on April 6 in Hanger 104, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay as family, friends, distinguished guests, and the entire squadron looked on.

Cmdr. Doug Yancey became the 52nd commanding officer of Patrol Squadron Four to take command of the Skinny Dragons.This marked the end of Cmdr Craig Whitaker's command tour, while ushering in new executive efficer, Cmdr. Tyrone Payton.

Among the distinguished guests was guest speaker, Rear Adm. Michael Holmes, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. Praising the accomplishments of Cmdr. Whitaker, the admiral raised the bar and challenged Yancey to continue the tradition of excellence.

During the ceremony, both Whitaker and Yancey thanked the people who made the ceremony special. Special thanks were offered to the members of the VP-4 color guard, the Seventh Fleet Navy Band, and all their family and friends who traveled from across the country to see this event.

I would like to offer my thanks for an outstanding performance of everyone that worked so hard setting up this change of command ceremony. Your pride as a Skinny Dragon is evident everywhere we look."

A traditional cake cutting and reception followed the ceremony at the Kaneohe Bay Officer's Club, where Chief Petty Officers and Officers alike celebrated the event and reflected over the past year while looking toward the future.

Cmdr. Whitaker leaves the Skinny Dragons after a year of unrivaled accomplishments. The squadron once again earned the Battle Efficiency ‘E' award for operational excellence after a highly successful Western Pacific deployment.

While supporting Seventh Fleet operations, VP-4 flew over 4,800 mishap free hours, while detached to 13 countries. During the six-month deployment, 20 search and rescue missions resulted in VP-4 personnel being credited with saving 22 lives.

A member of VP-4 since March of last year, Cmdr. Doug Yancey took the helm as Executive Officer. A native of Lancaster, Ca., he was commissioned through the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla. in September 1982.

After tours with VP-31 and VP-19 at Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Calif., he was selected for the Personnel Exchange Program with the Netherlands.

In August 1988, he reported to the Royal Dutch Navy 321 Squadron and earned designations as Patrol Plane Commander and Patrol Plane Instructor Pilot.

Cmdr. Yancey returned to the U.S. and completed tours with Patrol Squadron Five, Patrol Wing Eleven in Jacksonville, Fla., and the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) home ported in Washington state, were he served as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Module Officer.

The new Executive Officer, Cmdr. Tyrone Payton will take over where Yancey left off. Born in Shreveport, La., Payton graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science degree.

After his designation as a Naval Aviator in 1984, Payton completed tours with VP-48 and, VP-31, the Fleet Replacement Squadron, at NAS Moffett Field, Calif., and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) home ported in Alameda, Calif.

This is not Payton's first tour with VP-4. In fact, he was recently assigned to the squadron during his Department Head Tour just three years prior, serving as Safety Officer and Aviation Maintenance Officer.

"It's good to see the maintenance personnel I used to work with that are still here. I'm excited to be back and they're excited too," said Payton.

Every change of command ceremony has an array of emotions as the squadron says goodbye to one commanding officer and welcomes in another.

As VP-4 continues into its 29th year of mishap free flying. Yancey told the Sailors of VP-4; "I look forward to working with each and everyone of you during the next year. Your expertise, dedication to service, and true devotion to the command has been inspiring. I promise to give you my best and support you at all times."

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...AECS Bill Rutledge, Retired brutledge@worldnet.att.net being inducted into the Enlisted Air Crewman Roll of Honor November 9, 2001 (in uniform). Chief Rutledge served with VP-10 and VP-50. On the left of Chief Rutledge is Chief Lee Hicks (another November 2001 inductee) who served with VP-4..." Contributed by Lee Hicks leebo96@hotmail.com [E-Mail Posted 17JAN2002 | 11JAN2002]

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Circa 2000

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Parachute riggers' aim is to keep their clients hanging - By Wayne Specht, Misawa bureau chief - Pacific edition, Monday, September 25, 2000..." WebSite: Stars and Stripes http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=5855&archive=true [23APR2006]

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - Chief Petty Officer David Jennings, deployed to Misawa with the VP-4 patrol squadron from Hawaii, said that when he went through the Navy's rigger school 21 years ago, riggers had to jump from an aircraft using a chute they packed themselves.

"It was supposed to be a confidence builder," said Jennings, adding "it's no longer part of the curriculum."

During his career, Jennings said that three aviators flying off the USS Constellation aircraft carrier had to bail out of aircraft using chutes he packed. All brought him bottles of whiskey.

"It's a scary moment when they have to use your equipment," Jennings said.

Because of their expertise with survival gear, people such as Jennings sometimes are called upon to join repatriation teams searching for aviators downed in America's conflicts. He went to Laos in 1995 on such a mission.

He said helping to locate the remains of an Air Force first lieutenant lost after his F-105 Thunderchief went down there was one of the most gratifying experiences of his Navy career.

"It was my proudest moment to be able to bring one home," Jennings said.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Conducts Exercises With Royal Thai Navy - Purpose Of Exercises To Practice Multinational Maritime Operations - By LTjg Kelly Hinderer, Patrol Squadron FOUR Public Affairs - July 7th, 2000...http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2000/07/22.html..." [19JUN2003]

UTAPHAO, Thailand -- VP-4 conducted a bilateral aerial mining exercise with the Royal Thai navy's 102 Squadron July 7 during a series of exercises conducted in Thailand.

The exercise was flown from Utaphao, Thailand and included the P-3C Orion aircraft flown by VP-4 and P-3A aircraft flown by Squadron 102.

During their six-month deployment, Patrol Squadron FOUR is participating in exercise CARAT 2000, a series of exercises conducted annually between the U.S. Navy and its Asian Rim partners. The objectives of the CARAT exercises are to practice multi-national coordination in the conduct of maritime operations and to improve tactics while building friendship between the participating countries.

The two squadrons conducted aircrew and maintenance symposiums, exchanging information and ideas on aircraft maintenance practices, ordnance loading and tactical employment of the P-3 aircraft. Other scheduled events include joint surface surveillance and anti-surface warfare flights.

During the mining flights, three members of the Royal Thai navy flew with the U.S. Navy P-3C crew and three U.S. Navy aviators flew on the Royal Thai navy P-3A aircraft.

"The opportunity to fly with the Royal Thai navy has been one of the highlights of my trip so far," said Lt. Pitch Bencharit, a pilot with Patrol Squadron FOUR.

"In addition to maritime operations exercises, we have had a wonderful opportunity to get to know the people of Thailand," said Cmdr. Craig Whitaker, VP-4 commanding officer.

"In addition to the formal social gatherings conducted with the Royal Thai navy, we have had the opportunity to participate in several community relations projects, including repairs to a local school and a grounds clean-up at an elderly care facility," Whitaker said. "Our flight surgeon, Lt. Sanjiv Ghogale, joined a group of medical professionals from the participating U.S. ships to provide medical care for the people of Thailand in outlying areas. These interactions, plus the many professional and personal relationships developed as we fly and operate together, make the CARAT Exercises particularly rewarding for participants."

Patrol Squadron FOUR will continue to support the CARAT series of exercises with crews and aircraft through September.

VP-4 is homebased at Marine Corps Base Hawaii in Kaneohe Bay and is currently deployed for six months to Misawa, Japan and Kadena, Japan.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Kitty Hawk battle group led rescue work after collision - By Wayne Specht, Misawa bureau chief - Pacific edition, Saturday, November 18, 2000 - Stars and Strips..." http://www.stripes.osd.mil/article.asp?section=104&article=5180&archive=true [07APR2003]

Kitty Hawk battle group led rescue work after collision
By Wayne Specht, Misawa bureau chief
Pacific edition, Saturday, November 18, 2000

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — The Yokusuka-based USS Kitty Hawk battle group coordinated rescue efforts following Monday's midair collision between two Misawa F-16 fighters.

Capt. Warren Sneed, assigned to Misawa's 14th Fighter Squadron, died following a collision with pilot Col. Michael Lepper, 35th Operations Group commander. Sneed is still missing and is presumed dead; Lepper survived the accident.

First on the crash scene near Hokkaido were S-3B Viking anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the Kitty Hawk battle group.

The F-16s were taking part in Operation Keen Sword, a bilateral exercise involving American and Japanese military units.

Searchers scoured more than 6,000 square miles of ocean for more than 48 hours before calling off the search for Sneed.

The S-3B aviators with sea control squadron VS-21, assigned to Carrier Air Wing-5 aboard the carrier, took control of the search effort until they were relieved by other Navy aircraft, said Lt. Christopher Roby, a spokesman with Helicopter Squadron-14 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

Roby said a E-2C Hawkeye with airborne early warning squadron VAW-115 assumed control of the search and rescue effort, directing helicopters operating from the carrier, which sailed within 30 miles of the crash site.

Helicopters from the USS Kitty Hawk flew 24 sorties, totaling nearly 83 hours.

Roby said additional fixed-wing aircraft assisted with the search for Sneed over the next 48 hours.

"This search was difficult, and often frustrating, because our efforts went without rewards," Roby said. "The loss of a fellow aviator is a great loss to the military."

An EP-3 Aries aircraft from Misawa's VP-1, and a P-3C anti-submarine warfare aircraft with VP-4, on deployment to Misawa from Hawaii, also searched for Sneed.

Over the next two days, six sorties flown by VP-4 aircraft from Misawa flew a total of 43 hours searching for Sneed, said Capt. Richard High, commanding officer of Misawa's Naval Air Facility.

First Lt. Katsuhiro Yanaguida, a 3rd Air Wing spokesman at Misawa, said Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces, and Maritime Self-Defense Force ships taking part in the exercise, also joined in the search.

JASDF helicopters from Chitose Air Base on Hokkaido and from Akita Air Base on Honshu also lent a hand.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Holds Change of Command - By Lt.j.g. Kelly Hinderer VP-4 - Volume 25 - Issue 14 - April 7, 2000..." http://www.hnn.navy.mil/Archives/000407/VP-4.htm [02MAR2003]

Few military ceremonies are as moving, simple and significant as a Change of Command. It is a visible symbol of the continuity of command, and of the orderly transfer of responsibility and accountability from one naval officer to another. With few variations, Patrol Squadron Four's ceremony was identical to every change of command in the fleet.

Each contain the same moment of transition when the new commanding officer (CO) salutes his predecessor and speaks four words, "I relieve you, sir."

In a morning ceremony on March 31 in the squadron's home hangar, attended by guest speaker, Rear Adm. Michael Holmes, Commander Patrol Wings U.S. Pacific Fleet, Cmdr. James C. Whitaker replaced Cmdr. McWilliam V. Bollman, Jr. as the 51st commanding officer of Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4).

Bollman led the VP-4 ‘Skinny Dragons' through a year of unparalleled accomplishments. During its Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment in 1999, the squadron flew in support of three combat operations. During Operation Desert Fox, VP-4 was the first to utilize the new Anti-surface warfare Improvement Program (AIP) modified P-3 in combat. Their accomplishments in the Gulf earned the squadron the Navy Unit Commendation Medal.

During Operation Noble Anvil in Kosovo, Patrol Squadron Four executed a rapid deployment of two AIP aircraft from the Fifth and Seventh Fleets to the Sixth Fleet for participation in 17 flight events, including five Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) strike missions. Due to the success of these missions in Kosovo, 13 ‘Skinny Dragons' were awarded Air Medals.

VP-4 ended its unequaled deployment with a 99 percent mission completion rate for Fifth and Sixth Fleet operations. Using Cmdr. Bollman Jr.'s philosophy of "exercising every safe opportunity to achieve mission success," VP-4 safely flew 5,598 hours and 1,084 sorties during his tenure, extending the Skinny Dragon safety record to 27 years and 185,000 mishap-free hours.

Bollman also led Patrol Squadron Four through a successful transition from Barbers Point to its new home aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay where the ‘Skinny Dragons' have continued to lead the Pacific in Patrol Squadron excellence.

The former CO takes with him many great memories from his tour. He and his wife, Shelly Bollman have played an active role in achieving the Navy's integration into the K-Bay community.

"Most of all, I am proud to say I served with the extraordinary men and women of VP-4," Bollman said. "Flying, being operational and serving on this team that rises to meet every challenge through hard work and camaraderie has been the highlight of my entire naval career."

Cmdr. and Mrs. Bollman and their family are now on their way to meet new challenges in Washington, D.C.

About his assignment to the Pentagon in the Aviation Programs Division, Cmdr. Bollman said, "I'm excited to continue addressing the parts and sustainment shortfalls we are enduring in today's Navy."

Incoming CO, Cmdr. Craig Whitaker was commissioned an Ensign in October 1983, and completed Aviation Officer Candidate School on the East Coast. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in December 1984 and completed tours in Patrol Squadron Five, Patrol Squadron 30 and USS Saratoga (CV 60).

In 1994, Cmdr. Whitaker came west to VP-17 at Barbers Point, Hawaii for his tour as department head. He completed the successful and challenging tour in VP-40, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington after the decommissioning of VP-17 in December 1994.

Following an assignment at the Pentagon's Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Cmdr. Whitaker was selected for operational command, and reported to Patrol Squadron Four as the Executive Officer (XO) in March 1999.

The new Executive Officer (XO), Cmdr. Marion D. Yancey hails from Lancaster, Calif., and comes to Patrol Squadron Four from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama.

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"VP-4 History Summary Page"

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