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HistoryVP-56 HistoryHistory

Circa 1978

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-56 Line Crew "...NAS Keflavik, Iceland deployment in 1978..." Contributed by HEARD, Robert robertheard@sc.rr.com [20JUL2007]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March 1978 "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 16 and 19 - Naval Aviation News - March 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/mar78.pdf [09OCT2004]

VP History ThumbnailCamera

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "21NOV78---Change of Command..." Contributed by Paul Waeghe, Jr. pjwaeghe@bellsouth.net [01MAR98]

PATROL SQUADRON FIFTY-SIX
21 NOVEMBER 1978

Commander Robert C. Leslie
Being relieved by
Commander Dudley G. Oakes

1100
21 November 1978
hangar 1000-Segment 4
NAS Jacksonville, Florida

Previous Squadron Commanders

COMMANDER H. C. McDONOUGH, USN
Mar 1953-JAN 1954

COMMANDER C. L. BARDWELL, USN
Jan 1954-Jan 1955

COMMANDER E. 1. STONECIPHER, USN
Jan 1955-Jan 1956

COMMANDER D. G. MILLER, USN
Jan 1956-Jan 1957

COMMANDER D. M. BIRDSALL, USN
Jan 1957-Mar 1958

COMMANDER J. A. JONES, USN
Mar 1958-Jun 1959

COMMANDER B. S. LARKINS, USN
Jun 1959-Jun 1960

COMMANDER J. A. MONTGOMERY, USN
Jun 1960-Jul 1961

COMMANDER R. L. MORRIS, USN
Jul 1961-Jun 1962

COMMANDER D. W. HERLONG, USN
Jun 1962-Jul 1963

COMMANDER C. G. BERKSTRESSER, USN
Jul 1963-Apr 1964

COMMANDER L. E. MATHWICK, USN
Apr 1964-Jan 1965

COMMANDER J. X. MILLER, USN
Jan 1965-Dec 1965

COMMANDER G. F. THUMMEL, USN
Dec 1965-Dec 1966

COMMANDER J. M. BROZENA, USN
Dec 1966-Dec 1967

COMMANDER R. J. TOUCH, USN
Dec 1967-Dec 1968

COMMANDER J. J. McINTIRE, USN
Dec 1968-Dec 1969

COMMANDER M. MELTZER, USN
Dec 1969-Dec 1970

COMMANDER S. E. KISH, USN
Dec 1970-Nov 1971

COMMANDER H. P. FILLINGANE, USN
Nov 1971-Dec 1972

COMMANDER J. B. KRAMER, USN
Dec 1972-Jan 1974

COMMANDER C. S. CORNETT, USN
Jan 1974-Dec 1974

COMMANDER W. H. COMPTON, USN
Dec 1974-Dec 1975

COMMANDER J E. McNULLA, USN
Dec 1975-Dec 1976

COMMANDER R. F. DONODEO, USN
Dec 1976-Dec 1977

COMMANDER R. C. LESLIE, USN
Dec 1977-Nov 1978

MISSION OF PATROL SQUADRON FIFTY-SIX

All weather anti-submarine warfare
TASKS:

1. Detect, track and destroy enemy submarines singlely, or in conjunction with other air, surface or submarine forces.

2. Conduct anti-submarine escort of convoysand Fleet units.

3. Patrol the sea and coastal areas to protect against enemy submarine-launched missiles.

4. Within the capabilities of ASW configured aircraft and equipment and ASW trained crews, conduct in addition to ASW tasks the following:
  • A. Reconnaissance
  • B. Assist in Air-sea rescue operations
  • C. Destruction of enemy shipping
  • D. ASW Aerial mining

    SQUADRON HISTORY

    The Patrol Squadron FIFTY-SIX "Dragons" have to this day maintained a record of excellence, endeavor, and professionalism, despite numerous changes in skippers, aircraft, home-ports and operations. The name too has changed. In 1946 at NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C. she was PATRON 900 and the aircraft was the PV2 "Harpoon". Today it is the Navy's most advanced operational, computer-integrated anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform, the P-3C "Orion", a military variation of the civilian "Electra". In the interim, various models of the PBM "Mariner", P5M "Marlin", P-2 "Neptune", and earlier versions of the "Orion" have borne the squadron's combat air crews. VPML-71 and VP-661 were other names that we had, and they are now history. VP-56 is making and will make its own contribution to that heritage. Battle Efficiency Awards ("E's"), "Well Done's" and the lsbell Trophy for excellence in ASW have capped deployments to such diverse sites as NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; NAS Keflavik, Iceland; NS Rota, Spain; Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal.

    Preparation for fleet introduction of the P-3C Weapons System began in the early summer of 1969 with special training in both Navy and Lockheed schools. The Squadron then spent a yea developing doctrine and tactics for the optimum utilization of our system. PATRON FIVE-SIX made its most recent move in the summer of 1971. The team that put the P-3C to work for the Atlantic Fleet became the first P-3C unit to be homeported at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

    The squadron has since made five highly successful deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland and two to NAS Sigonella, Sicily. The squadron returned from NAS Keflavik, Iceland in September, 1978.

    Circa 1976

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1976 "...VP-56 - Page 32 - Naval Aviation News - April 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1976/apr76.pdf [05OCT2004]

    VP History Thumbnail

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation February 1976 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 25 - Naval Aviation News - February 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1976/feb76.pdf [05OCT2004]

    VP History Thumbnail

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP Logo ThumbnailCameraVP-56 Logo Contributed by Derric.Barber@warren.af.mil [05JUN2003]


    Circa 1975

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1975 "...VP-56 - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - April 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/apr75.pdf [02OCT2004]

    VP History Thumbnail

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1975 "...People Planes And Places - Page 38 to 39 - Naval Aviation News - January 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/jan75.pdf [02OCT2004]

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    Circa 1973

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-56 History "...'Dragons' To Keflavik - 'Woodpeckers' Return - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 50 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 15 MAR 1973..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [03JUL2011]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...This is AWN2 (AC) "Bookie" Bernie Bookhammer, Jr. in Holland on deployment to Iceland 1973..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...LQ-9 view from SS3..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...We once got a new pilot assigned to the squadron who came to us from the S2 Navy. He thought he was still driving a S2..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...The finest P3-C PPC I ever gave radar vectors to, LCDR Paul Moessner..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...AW2 Bookhammer. Honest, I am wearing ear plugs. Explains why I had a high frequency roll off in my hearing..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...ADJ2 Tom Martin. I think in 1973 deployed to Iceland. This photo I think was taken while we were in Thule Greenland..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...3rd Pilot LT Michalski 1973 I believe..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...IFT (AT1 or AX1) Ed Grindstaff and AEC Dutcher..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...LQ-9 and crew 9 Stavanger, Norway. 73 Deployment..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...IFT Ed Grindstaff aka "Dancing Bear" and AW2 Bill Hanna aka "Honda Bill." 1973 On Deployment..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...My roommate in Iceland, AO2 l. Bowers and his ordancemen buddies in our room. wonder why they might be called "BB stackers."..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [29MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...I think 1973 - NAS Keflavik, Iceland..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [28MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...The best job I ever had. I think this is from 1973..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [28MAR2006]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 HistoryCameraVP-56 History "...This is what our interior looked like when we deployed. I think this is from a deployment to Island, either 1971, 1972 or 1973..." Contributed by BOOKHAMMER, AW2 Bernie bbookhammerjr@gmail.com [28MAR2006]


    Circa 1972

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-56 History "...Dragons Return Home - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 30 - NO 07 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 04 MAY 1972..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [01JUL2011]


    Circa 1971

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-56 History "...NAS' Newest Patrol Squadron Completes Arrival - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 18 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 22 JUL 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [20JUN2011]

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-56 History "...New VP-Squadron Arrives Here - JAX AIR NEWS - VOL 29 - NO 13 - NAS Jacksonville, FL - 17 JUN 1971..." WebSite: University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries http://ufdc.ufl.edu/ [19JUN2011]


    Circa 1970

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1970 "...On Patrol - Page 24 to 25 - Naval Aviation News - July 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/juln70.pdf [17SEP2004]

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

    History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation February 1970 "...I Am Buno 156523- Page 24 to 25 - Naval Aviation News - February 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/feb70.pdf [17SEP2004]

    History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

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

  • Humanitarian Service Medal
    02 May 80
    19 May 80 – 31 May 80

  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
    11 Feb 82 – 11 Aug 82
    25 Sep 87 – 23 Oct 87

  • Navy "E" Ribbon (Battle "E")
    01 Jan 86 – 31 Dec 86

  • Navy Unit Commendation
    04 Nov 70 – 15 Nov 70
    23 Mar 86 – 31 Mar 86

  • Coast Guard SOS Ribbon
    01 Jul 87 – 30 Sep 87

    VP-56 Participating Aircrew
  • Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
    20 Jan 86 – 27 Jun 86
  • Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
    06 Jun 83

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-56 AirFrames Crew ThumbnailCameraVP-56 AirFrames Crew "...AirFrames Crew, November 2, 1970, just prior to Iceland Deployment..." Contributed by Dave Koon AMS2 dkoon2007@comcast.net


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