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HistoryVP-872 HistoryHistory

Circa 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...In early 1969 all three squadrons (VP-871, VP-872 & VP-873) concentrated into one hardware squadron ( VP-71). This effort culminated on 13 July 1969 when 12 SP2H were launched within a 55 minute period for transpac to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. This was an accomplishment recognized and lauded throughout the reserve command. In spite of less than optimum support for the SP2H aircraft, a total of 700 aircraft hours were flown and a significant increase in readiness accomplished. In August 27,1970 VP-71 was notified of disestablishment..." Contributed by Roger Busbee rlbusbe@sandia.gov [26OCT99]


Circa 1962

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News May 1962 "...Mid-Year Report On REcalled Reserves - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - May 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/may62.pdf [23AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Iin the north pacific in 1962 during the JFT8 combined effort. Our birds flew the sanitation flights off of Christmas Island and the Pod recovery from Johnson Island (which buy the way was destroyed soon after lift-off...We may have been a bunch of reservist but flying around a hundred hours per crew showed we could do the job..." Contributed by Clara McPherson comtidydog@aol.com


Circa 1961

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News December 1961 "...Fleets Welcome Reserves - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - December 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/dec61.pdf [21AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News October 1961 "...Berlin 'Add On' to Increase Naval Air Power - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - October 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/oct61.pdf [20AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-872 accepted their first P2V-5F Neptune on October 3, 1961 and would fly the first ASW barrier patrol from NAS Alameda, California 9 days later. By November 1, 1961, VP-872 was brought up to full strength, augmented by personnel from VP-701 and VP-703 of NAS Dallas, Texas and VP-875 of NARTU NAS Alameda, California, along with other reservists and TARS from NAS Dallas, Texas and NARTU NAS Alameda, California...." P2V Neptune WebSite: http://p2vneptune.com/index.shtml [31JUL2002]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Project Dominic..." Contributed by Roz Brown rozzie@rozbrown.com [12MAR98]

Project Dominic
VP-872 Plaque

GENERAL STARBIRD. COMMANDER JOINT TASK FORCE EIGHT

"...on the eve of the departure of VP 872 for release to reserve status CJTF8 wishes to comment that tlie 'Weekend Warriors' of Alameda proved themselves a credit to the Naval Service. Please pass to all hands a 'Well Done' for their outstanding contribution the past few months."

ADMIRAL SIDES. COMMANDER IN PACIFIC FLEET

"...the outstanding degree of professional airmanship demonstrated bv VP-872 is particularly noteworthy."

CAPTAIN LEFEVER. COMMANDER FLEET AIR WING TWO

"Patrol Squadron 872 can be justifiably proud of the exceptional record of achievements during this deployment. Especially noteworthy was the three thousand flight hours flown since mid-March without missing a single commitment."

ADMIRAL EKSTROM. COMMANDER NAVAL AIR FORCES, PACIFIC FLEET

"All members of VP-872 can be proud of their record with JTF8. Your efforts and hours of hard work were evident in the results of all assignments given you."

ADMIRAL ANDERSON, CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

"Noted with pleasure the outstanding performance of VP 872 in support of JTF8 Dominic operations."

REAR ADMIRAL AKERS, COMMANDER FLEET AIR FORCES, ALAMEDA

...note with pleasure the comments of your superiors on your performance during deployment. Lpon reporting to me for active duty you immediately went to work to be ready for anv assignment. The manner in which you accomplished your varied and difficult tasks with JTF8 attests to the success of vour preparations and determination."

ADMIRAL MARTIN, CHIEF OF NAVAL AIR RESERVE TRAINING

"The Naval Air Reserve Command is proud of the job vou have done and to welcome you back upon your deactivation."

ADMIRAL DUERFELDT, COMMANDER, FLEET AIR, HAWAII

"Your record of meeting all operational commitments. and surpassing the 1000-hour-mark in one month with an ll-plane squadron is one of which vour officers and men can be proud. This is particularly impressive considering the operations were conducted from an advanced type base."

ADMIRAL FITZHUGH LEE, COMMANDER NAVAL TRAINING

"CNATRA notes with pride the outstanding performance of VP-872.

FROM THE LOG

26 Ausust 1961

  • VP-872 personnel notified of impending recall to active duty via newspapers, radio and TV.

    1 October 1961

  • VP-872 personnel report to NAS Alameda for one year's active duty.

    3 October 1961

  • Accept first P2V-5F from NARTU NAS Alameda.

    12 October 1961

  • Squadron flies first ASW barrier patrol from NAS Alameda.

    30 October 1961

  • Squadron receives first tool through reffular supply channels.

    1 November 1961

  • Squadron is brought up to full strength, augmented bv personnel from VP-701 and VP-703 of NAS Dallas, Texas and VP-875 of NARTT Alameda. along with other individual reservists and TARS from NAS Dallas, Texas and NARTU Alameda.

    19 December 1961

  • Majority of Texans say "Merry Christmas. Y'all!" and go on leave.

    5 January 1962

  • Squadron is awarded 1961 Naval Air Reserve Safety Citation from RADM. Frank Akers. Commander Fleet Air Alameda.

    17 January 1962

  • Twelve squadron enlisted men are first to take advantage of Nav)'s offer to transfer into the regular Navy.

    6 February 1962

  • An official "WELL DONE" is received by the squadron from Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet for flying the highest number of patrol squadron flight hours on the West Coast for the month of December. 1650 hours.

    14 February 1962

  • Happy Valentine's Day! Squadron receives word of deployment to MIDPAC.

    3 March 1962

  • Advance party arrives at NAS Barbers' Point.

    11 March 1962

  • Remainder of squadron and P2Vs given "swinging" welcome upon arrival to NAS Barbers' Point.

    14 March 1962

  • Squadron sets NAS Barbers' Point record for longest delay of launch of back-up plane-4 hours 3 i minutes.

    19 March 1962

  • Advance party departs for MIDPAC.

    22 March 1962

  • NAS Barbers' Point record set by squadron for fastest launch of back-up plane. Aircraft airborne in 23 minute? after word was received that first P2V was aborting.

    23 Starch 1962

  • Squadron has luau at Waikiki. Poi voted most unpopular food of the year.

    24 March 1962

  • Flight Alpha arrives at MIDPAC to build chiefs' club and landscape BOQ.

    7 April 1962

  • Squadron completes MIDPAC deployment. Now under the operational command of Joint Task Force 8. participating in Project Dominic.

    9 April 1962

  • Crew #6 finds derelict Peruvian freighter. SS Iquitos.

    19 April 1962

  • Squadron launches four back-ups in one night. Otherwise the evening is without incident. according to the World Duty Officer.

    1 May 1962

  • Squadron flew 817 hours during the month of April.

    1 June 1962

  • Squadron flew 1,057 hours during the month of May.

    12 June 1962

  • Squadron returns to NAS Barbers' Point.

    14 June 1962

  • Majority of squadron and P2Vs again deploy to MIDPAC.

    19 June 1962

  • Squadron returns to Barbers' Point and prepares to invade mainland with orchid leis and Tikki Gods.

    21 June 1962

  • Alpha flight departs for NAS Alameda.

    26 June 1962

  • Squadron gathers for "Welcome Home" ceremonies as P2Vs arrive at NAS Alameda.

    29 June 1962

  • Majority of Texans head for Dallas to he released. Remainder of squadron simply disappears.

    1 July 1962

  • Squadron flew 1,197 hours during the month of June.

    1 August 1962

  • VP-872 deactivated in ceremonies presided over by ADM. Chester W. Nimitz. VP-872 has flown over 4.900 hours or more than 750.000 miles and has maintained a perfect safety record.

    Circa 1960

    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-731, VP-732, VP-733, VP-734, VP-871, VP-872, VP-873, VP-874 and VP-875) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [12MAR2007]

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    HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1960 "...Oakland Trains Near And Far- Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - March 1960..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1960/mar60.pdf [17AUG2004]

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