 VP-8 History
Circa 2010
A BIT OF HISTORY:   100706-N-6855K-030 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 5th) "...P-3C Orion aircraft VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-40, VP-47, VP-62 and VP-69 line the Rainbow Fleet tarmac of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercise. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [11JUL2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...CDR. Liedman On To Next Assignment - 4/21/2010 11:20:00 AM..." WebSite: The Tri-County News http://www.kimballarea.com/ [22APR2010]
In a brief ceremony that upholds one of the highest traditions of the United States Navy, Commander Jiancarlo Villa will assume command of the Patrol Squadron EIGHT "Fighting Tigers" from Commander Sean Liedman Friday, April 23. The ceremony will be held in Hangar 511 and include the distinguished guest speaker, Rear Admiral William F. Moran, commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Group.
CDR. Liedman, a native of Kimball, graduated with distinction from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1991, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. CDR. Liedman's tenure at Patrol Squadron EIGHT is best expressed by his description of leading its personnel. He commented, "It has been my deepest honor to serve the men and women of VP-8 as their Commanding Officer. The 'Fighting Tigers' and their families tackled the challenges of conducting a homeport change from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, in conjunction with a six-month deployment to the Middle East and Horn of Africa, in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM - and they did it with a sense of pride and professionalism that added to VP-8's legacy of excellence." Additionally, the transition to NAS Jacksonville paved the way for the remaining NAS Brunswick, Maine squadrons relocating in the months ahead. CDR Liedman's next assignment is a Federal Executive Fellowship at the American Enterprise Institute located in Washington, D.C.
CDR Villa hails from Los Angeles, Calif., and attended Jacksonville University, where he earned his commission in May 1993. He assumed the duties as VP-8 Executive Officer in April 2009, and is looking forward to the challenge of leading the Fighting Tigers as their 62nd Commanding Officer as they complete the remainder of their training cycle and preparations for their planned six-month deployment in December 2010. CDR. Villa commended his predecessor for his hard work in setting the high standards which VP-8 has upheld. "Over the past 11 months, Skipper Liedman has led the Fighting Tigers to establish a reputation for operational excellence in Jacksonville following the completion of our recent deployment. I am humbled and honored to join the rich legacy of Patrol Squadron EIGHT Commanding Officers and I look forward to serving with our men and women in the preparation and execution of our upcoming deployment," he said.
Patrol Squadron EIGHT is ready to welcome Commander Christopher F. Flaherty as their new Executive Officer. CDR Flaherty hails from Cleveland, N.Y., is a graduate of Duke University, and most recently served as Deputy Requirements Officer for Maritime Patrol Aviation (P-3C/P-8A).
A BIT OF HISTORY:  CPWR-11 History "...CPRW-11 Holds First ASW Competition - Thursday January 7, 2010...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5, VP-8, VP-16 and VP-62..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [08JAN2010]
Circa 2009
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Haiti's Shattered Landscape: A View From Above - Navy crew sets out to capture images of a shattered landscape by Timothy J. Gibbons - Story updated at 1:31 AM on Monday, Jan. 25, 2010. Squadron Mentioned: CPRW-11, VP-8, VP-16 and VP-26..." WebSite: Florida-Times Union http://jacksonville.com/ [25JAN2010]
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - Even from 12,500 feet in the air, even in black and white, the devastation in Haiti is unmistakable.
Crumbled buildings, toppled shipping containers, destroyed homes: The scenes of destruction scrolled across monitors aboard a Navy P-3 Orion on Saturday as the surveillance plane sculled slowly through the air and studied the damage beneath it.
It was the first time this particular crew from NAS Jacksonville, Florida handled this particular job, but the mission is one the P-3 community has embraced in the past two weeks.
Airplanes from CPRW-11, the NAS Jacksonville, Florida unit that oversees all the P-3s on the East Coast, have been providing details on the situation in Haiti since the day the earthquake struck. Within hours of the quake, a plane from squadron VP-26 - on deployment in El Salvador - was in the skies overhead, providing the first pictures of the destruction.
In the days following, squadrons VP-8 and VP-16 joined in the mission, with three planes a day heading to the scene to check out helicopter landing zones, survey roads and pinpoint spots that need help. What they see is transmitted to ships in the area and brought back on tape to be analyzed.
"We look for a pattern of life," said Cmdr. Anthony Corapi, commanding officer of VP-16, the squadron known as the War Eagles whose plane surveyed the area Saturday afternoon.
In turn, those images will be used by the military and nongovernmental organizations as they plan their response to the disaster.
SCAN, CAPTURE, ASSIST
Getting those images is a somewhat different job than the typical P-3 mission, which usually involves tracking pirates in the Mediterranean, finding drug runners in the Caribbean or hunting for submarines anywhere they may lurk. In fact, even as the War Eagles document the devastation in Haiti, they're also preparing for a more typical deployment coming up in about four months.
But supporting Operation Unified Response in Haiti flows naturally out of the more routine jobs, Corapi said.
"The combat missions we train for lead to this," he said. "They teach us cooperation and how to think on our feet."
Those things are vital in the skies above Haiti, with civilian agencies, different branches of the military and a number of countries trying to work together.
When the War Eagles arrived over Haiti around 11 a.m. Saturday, the radio was filled with chatter, a welter of American and Haitian accents as ships and planes and forces on the ground talked to each other.
As the plane, code named Red Talon, began its patrol, Petty Office 2nd Class Nick Dimare, the aircraft's camera operator, worked to get the lay of the land, zooming in on a white speck far below that resolved into a sailboat and tagging the various U.S. ships in the area.
The War Eagles started the mission by checking out assigned areas that those in charge wanted to keep an eye on, from a jumble of shipping containers in the port to parts of downtown slowly being cleared of rubble.
The goal was to provide a big-picture view for the helicopters and planes flitting through the sky thousands of feet below the War Eagles, said Lt. Errol Youngborg, who was in charge of the plane.
"Hopefully we'll be able to provide the assistance they're asking for," he said.
In some ways, this mission is easier than those that are more combat focused, said Lt. Rebecca Johnson, who as the tactical officer coordinates everything going on, from telling the pilots where to take the plane to advising the camera operator what pictures are required. The focus during the beginning of the five hours the War Eagles would stay on station was broad documentation, providing a literal 10,000-foot view.
Throughout the day, the plane's navigator, Lt j.g. Rachel Ingram, captured snapshots from the image feed as the plane moved over land: A listing crane slumped in the harbor. Unscathed building standing incongruously in the midst of rubble. Tent cities filled with the displaced.
MISSION COMPLETE
Things turned a bit more dynamic in mid-afternoon as the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson began handing out new tasks: Determine the mood of some people a group of Marines down below are about to run into. Check out a soccer field to see if tents are being set up.
Dimare zoomed and paned, zeroing in on tiny details. "I can just pick stuff out," he said. "I've done this a lot."
The job wrapped up around 4 p.m., the War Eagles replaced by another P-3 who would patrol into the evening.
"I think it was a pretty good mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Jon Spore, the mission commander aboard the P-3. "We helped provide more intelligence."
As the plane winged its way home, the crew relaxed a bit, the busy part of the day over.
Somewhat incongruously, the 116-foot-long tube hurtling through the air miles off the ground features a sort of homey feel, a side effect, perhaps, of a crew used to spending 12 hours or more working together.
Multiple pilots and flight engineers - required by regulations on long flights - allows some of the crew to take brief breaks: Grab some food, use the solid-waste-not-encouraged toilet or sit down for a few hands of Spades and Rummy. It's a brief lull in the long day, which started with briefings around 5 a.m. and still isn't over for the crew when the plane breaks through low-hanging clouds and gently touches down at NAS Jacksonville, Florida around 7 p.m.
A long day, Spore said, but worth it.
It feels like it was successful," he said. "Talking to the others on the crew, we think we helped to do some good."
timothy.gibbons@jacksonville,com, (904) 359-4103
A BIT OF HISTORY:  090714-N-2491R-045 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July 14, 2009) "...Rear Adm. Bill Moran, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, holds an all hands Admiral's call attended by VP-5, VP-8, VP-16, and VPU-1 stationed atNAS Jacksonville, Florida. Moran stressed the importance of the patrol and reconnaissance communities' role in the anti submarine warfare mission and also discussed the upcoming platform transition to the P8 Poseidon from the P-3C Orion aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles E. White/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [22JUL2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  090714-N-3013W-035 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (July, 14 2009) "...Rear Adm. Bill Moran, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, holds an all hands Admiral's call attended by VP-5, VP-8, VP-16, and VPU-1 stationed atNAS Jacksonville, Florida. Moran stressed the importance of the patrol and reconnaissance communities' role in the anti submarine warfare mission and also discussed the upcoming platform transition to the P8 Poseidon from the P-3C Orion aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles E. White/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [22JUL2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 "Fighting Tigers" Write New Chapter in Squadron History By LT(jg) Donald Lauderdale, VP-8 PAO - Thursday, June 18, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [19JUN2009]
June 10 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the 66-year history of VP-8 when the squadron's last P-3C arrived at NAS Jacksonville, Florida from the Middle East.
The crew included "Fighting Tigers" Commanding Officer Cmdr. Sean Liedman. They were welcomed by Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven Capt. Kyle Cozad, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Five Capt. Jim Hoke, and NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. at a special ceremony held at their new home in Hangar 511.
The Fighting Tiger's skipper and his crew were met by squadron members, families, friends, local representatives and base employees gathered to officially welcome them to their new home.
"On this last deployment, you set the bar. You made a difference. You went to some of the world's most dangerous places and supported our warfighters," said Hoke.
"As we saw with the Maersk Alabama situation, when there were things that had to be done in theater, the Tigers were the first to be called. Today is kind of bittersweet for me because this is the beginning of the end of CPRW-5 and squadrons at NAS Brunswick, Maine. This is the fifth time VP-8 has moved during the span of their history and each time you have set the standards and I have no doubt you will do that here. Thank you for your service, thanks for what you did with Wing Five and thanks for what you did for your country during the past six months," said Hoke.
The squadron was then officially welcomed by their new wing commodore. "In addition to thanking VP-8, I'd like to thank the folks who have made this happen. This is a historic move and for the past two and a half years, we have all looked forward to making this move a reality. I especially want to thank the families for helping with this move and welcome home the Tigers. You are home!" added Cozad.
"Thank you for welcoming VP-8 to our new homeport at NAS Jacksonville, Florida," Liedman told the crowd from the podium. "Today is historic, because as VP-8 closes out 38 years of service at NAS Brunswick, Maine we open a new chapter at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I can't think of a better way to put a bookmark between those two chapters than to do it in conjunction with returning from our highly successful deployment to the Middle East and Africa."
"During our deployment, this incredible team of men and women standing proudly in front of you in their desert uniforms safety executed more than 600 sorties and 4,400 flight operations. And, they achieved that remarkable record despite operating in some harsh environments.
These remarkable Sailors pressed on to accomplish the mission, conquering every challenge with pride and professionalism," continued Liedman. "But in my opinion, the real heroes to this story are the Tiger families. In addition to overcoming the normal challenges in the absence of their spouses, many of these families executed a 1,300-mile journey from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Now we look forward to adding to our 66-year legacy at our new home at NAS Jax."
VP-8 deployed in December 2008 from their former homeport at NAS Brunswick, Maine. During their six-month deployment to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, the squadron flew in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and coalition counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.
The Fighting Tigers generated an impressive 97 percent mission completion rate during the deployment despite the challenges of operating from the expeditionary environments of Qatar and Djibouti.
Aircrews from VP-8 were the first Department of Defense asset to come to the aid of the motor vessel Maersk Alabama and provided round-the-clock surveillance until the rescue of the ship's captain, Richard Phillips.
At NAS Jacksonville, Florida, VP-8 will take up residence in the newly opened Hangar 511. The relocation from New England to Florida comes as NAS Brunswick, Maine is scheduled to close under the Base Realignment and Closure plan.
"There are a lot of people who are really going to miss Maine, " said LT(jg) Liz Bennett.
"But we have a lot to look forward to here in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. I know there are a bunch of us that can't wait to hit the beach and start our summer."
Over the next year, VP-8 will be followed by VP-10 and VP-26 as they depart NAS Brunswick, Maine on deployment before relocating to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. With the return from deployment of VP-8's last aircraft, the Fighting Tigers look forward to opening a new chapter in their storied squadron history.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  090610-N-3666B-002 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 10, 2009) "...Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Wes Naylor greets wife and daughter after returning home on VP-5's last plane from deployment. (U.S. Navy Photo by Naval Air Crewman Airman Scott Beach/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [10AUG2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  090610-N-3666B-001 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 10, 2009) "...A P-3C Orion assigned to the "Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) returns to its new homebase at NAS Jacksonville, Florida after a six-month deployment to the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval Air Crewman Airman Scott Beach/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [10AUG2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  090610-N-3013W-019 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 10, 2009) "...The NAS Jacksonville, Florida Fire Department welcomes Commanding Officer Cmdr. Sean Liedman and the "Fighting Tigers" of VP-8 from a six-month deployment to their new home port in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Patrol squadrons based in NAS Brunswick, Maine are transitioning to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles White/Released)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.navy.mil/ [29JUN2008]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...One P-3 squadron comes home, another joins the flock - One helped fight pirates and the other aided in a plane crash search - by Timothy J. Gibbons - Thursday, Jun. 11, 2009...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5 and VP-8..." WebSite: WOKV http://www.jacksonville.com/ [12JUN2009]
The pirate flag high atop the big reconnaissance plane snapped in the breeze as the P-3 pulled to a stop in front of the newest hangar at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
The flag was an appropriate symbol: The plane and its squadron — a group known as the Fighting Tigers — has just returned from a six-month deployment that included fighting pirates off the coast of Africa.
The most high-profile moment of the deployment came when one of the Djibouti-based aircraft was the first to reach the Maersk Alabama, the hijacked American vehicle held for four days before Navy SEALS killed the pirates who seized it.
“It was very rewarding,” the squadron’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Sean Liedman, said about the mission, noting that the unit’s actions usually occur outside the spotlight.
The spotlight was on the (VP-8) Fighting Tigers again Wednesday as the squadron not only returned from its deployment but officially moved into its new home, with control of the unit transferred to Jacksonville-based Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.
The Tigers moved to Jacksonville from Wing 5 in Brunswick, Maine, as part of that base being shuttered.
For Capt. Jim Hoke, commodore of Wing 5, Wednesday was a bit bittersweet.
“It was a phenomenal display and it’s great to see them come home,” he said. But the Tigers’ transfer presages the beginning of the end in NAS Brunswick, Maine: Three more squadrons will be transferring to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in the coming months, and the Brunswick station is already beginning to look a bit empty.
It was an action-packed day for Wing 11. Earlier, the wing welcomed home the (VP-5) Mad Foxes, a squadron returning from six months split between Japan and El Salvador.
The detachment based in El Salvador had its own headline-grabbing moment last week when it helped in the search for wreckage for survivors from the Air France plane that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s our role to support our friends and allies,” said Cmdr. Wes Naylor, the squadron’s commanding officer. “Search-and-rescue is a core mission of the P-3.”
Two crews worked 10 to 11 hour days for three days, Lt. Cmdr. Andy Barlow said, clearing more than 25,000 square miles of ocean.
With the two squadrons back home, NAS Jacksonville, Florida is well on its way to becoming the P-3 capital of the East Coast, a situation that Capt. Kyle Cozad, commodore of Wing 11, sees as a good thing for Jacksonville.
“It’s a huge vote of confidence,” he said.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Returns After Taking On Somali Pirates by Sam Jordan - June 10, 2009 7:29 PM...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5 and VP-8..." WebSite: WOKV http://wokv.com/ [11JUN2009]
NAS Jacksonville, Florida has welcomed back an air squadron that helped combat piracy of the coast of Somalia.
For the past six months, the VP-8 "Fighting Tigers" were in Iraq, as well as the Gulf or Aden and Somali Basin, and that's where pirates famously captured Captain Richard Phillips and his Maersk Alabama crew in April.
Commander Sean Liedman says they were the first Department of Defense asset on the scene in that incident and in others.
Meanwhile the VP-5 "Mad Foxes" returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida Wednesday as well after six months operating overseas.
Among other duties, the squadron of P-3s was called on to help in the search and rescue of Air France Flight 447, which went down off the coast of Brazil last week.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Returns After Taking On Somali Pirates by Sam Jordan - June 10, 2009 7:29 PM...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5 and VP-8..." WebSite: WOKV http://wokv.com/ [11JUN2009]
NAS Jacksonville, Florida has welcomed back an air squadron that helped combat piracy of the coast of Somalia.
For the past six months, the VP-8 "Fighting Tigers" were in Iraq, as well as the Gulf or Aden and Somali Basin, and that's where pirates famously captured Captain Richard Phillips and his Maersk Alabama crew in April.
Commander Sean Liedman says they were the first Department of Defense asset on the scene in that incident and in others.
Meanwhile the VP-5 "Mad Foxes" returned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida Wednesday as well after six months operating overseas.
Among other duties, the squadron of P-3s was called on to help in the search and rescue of Air France Flight 447, which went down off the coast of Brazil last week.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 Touches Down, Begins Historic Transition by AWVAN Scott Beach - Staff Writer - Thursday, June 4, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/jaxairnews/ss/jaxairnews/ [05JUN2009]
Six months ago, the “Fighting Tigers” of VP-8 bid farewell to their families at NAS Brunswick, Maine as they deployed to the Middle East and Japan. On May 27, some of those same families gathered at Hangar 511 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida to welcome the first of the squadron’s P-3C Orion aircraft to their new duty station.
Friends and families awaiting the afternoon arrival found it difficult to contain their anticipation. Every P-3 flying over the base excited them as they hoped it was “their crew.” Then, precisely at 1 p.m.– VP-8 Orion number 295 landed and taxied down the ramp with an American flag flying from the overhead hatch of the cockpit. After cutting engines and securing the aircraft, VP-8 Executive Officer Cmdr. Jiancarlo Villa led his crew down the ladder to a historic homecoming.
“This is exciting,” said Villa after he greeted his family. “We’re just trying to get everyone settled into the routine of a new duty station. The families sacrificed greatly to move from Maine to Florida during deployment. For us, it’s exciting to be some of the first to get down here. We’re all really looking forward to integrating with the other squadrons and becoming part of the Jacksonville community.”
After AW2 Scott Wagner hugged and kissed his wife, Stephanie, she introduced him to their daughter, Grace, who was born during his deployment.
“I’ve never felt like this – it is an amazing feeling to come home from a successful deployment and finally see my daughter,” said Wagner. “Maine is a beautiful place, but I’ll take warmth over snow any time. It’s definitely going to be a great lifestyle down here.”
The Fighting Tigers are in the process of moving into their new spaces at Hangar 511, a home it will share with VP-5, VP-16, VP-62 and VPU-1.
“In the first two weeks of June, we’ll be welcoming our maintainers’ airlift, plus, three more P-3s,” said Villa. “Our final P-3 is scheduled to arrive June 10 with our skipper, Cmdr. Sean Liedman and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Five Capt. Jim Hoke.”
As part of the BRAC 2005 realignment, VP-Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven will assume the administration, operation and oversight for the three squadrons (VP-8, VP-10, VP-26) moving to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. NAS Brunswick, Maine is scheduled for closure in May 2011.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...VP-8: Liedman Assumes Command From Wiese - Thursday, May 7, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/jaxairnews/ss/jaxairnews/ [08MAY2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FLOOR SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2009 - H.Res. 339 – Expressing the sense of the United States House of Representatives regarding the hijacking of the Maersk Alabama, the kidnapping of Captain Richard Phillips by Somali pirates, the rescue of Captain Phillips by United States Navy SEALs and the crews of the USS Bainbridge, USS Boxer, USS Halyburton and VP-8 (Reps. Langevin/Welch – Armed Services) ..." WebSite: CongressMatters http://www.congressmatters.com/ [23APR2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-40 History "...Fighting Marlins Take Part In Under Sea Warfare Eexercise by LT(jg) Jason Dietz VP-40 - Thursday, March 26, 2009 (Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-40, VP-47 and maintainers from CMO-2, CMO-10, CMO-11 and CPRW-2..." WebSite: Northwest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/ [27MAR2009]
Photograph Caption: The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 recently participated in take part in an under sea warfare exercise with the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group off the coast of Okinawa.The Fighting Marlins of VP-40 recently took part in the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group Under Sea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) out of NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan.
One of the largest exercises in recent years, the exercise was conducted overseas in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The event took place off the coast of Okinawa and included participants from the Stennis strike group, forward deployed naval forces from CTF-70, maritime patrol forces from CTF-72, three surface ships, three submarines as well as three P-3 aircrews from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The Fighting Marlins, along with VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-47 and maintainers from CMO-2, CMO-10 and CMO-11, formed a combined detachment under the leadership of Commander, CPRW-2, encompassing sixteen combat aircrews and eight P-3s. They provided continuous 24-hour operational support to the Strike Group throughout the exercise and stood ready alerts able to react to any potential real world events.
The exercise spanned over five days of around-the-clock operations including several weeks of joint planning with the Strike Group, who was en-route to their six-month Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment.
With an average of three planes airborne at any given time during the exercise, the maintainers tirelessly worked to have aircraft available for real world events including the numerous scheduled exercise events. As expected, they answered the challenge, launching fifty-one sorties of the fifty-two scheduled over the course of the exercise.
For the Combat aircrews from VP-40 the exercise provided invaluable “real world” experience in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
The crews successfully balanced the high operational demands and minimum turn-around times without missing a beat. In the condensed time span of the exercise, the detachment amassed just over three hundred flight hours.
The four Marlin aircrews flew over one hundred hours during sixteen events, which accounted for one-third of the total flight time. They were directly responsible for seven of the fifteen simulated submarine kills by maritime patrol forces during the exercise, highlighting the ASW operational capabilities of the VP Community.
The success of the strike group laid the foundation for future major exercises within 7th Fleet.
© 2009 Sound Publishing, Inc.
Circa 2008
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...P-3 Flight Heralds End For Maine Base The Associated Press - Posted : Friday Nov 28, 2008 15:31:56 EST..." WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/ [12NOV2009]
BRUNSWICK, Maine — The first patrol plane in the first squadron to permanently depart NAS Brunswick, Maine has taken off, marking the start of a yearlong aircraft exodus in advance of the closing of New England’s last active-duty military airfield.
Cmdr. Eric Wiese, the commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 8, piloted the P-3 Orion on Friday as part of his unit’s seven-month deployment in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The squadron’s six other planes are poised to leave during the coming week.
When the unit returns from overseas, it will fly to its new home at Florida’s NAS Jacksonville, Florida, rather than return to NAS Brunswick, Maine.
NAS Brunswick, Maine’s four remaining squadrons will leave by next December, with the 3,000-acre base due to be closed in 2011 in accordance with a 2005 vote by the Base Closure and Realignment Commission.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Long Goodbye at BNAS Continues - 12/01/2008..." Website: The Times Record http://www.timesrecord.com/ [02DEC2008]
BRUNSWICK — A cold drizzle coated the runway as the first of two Navy P-3 Orions lumbered toward takeoff on Friday morning.
Wives, sons and babies, noses red with crying or cold, waved at the gray planes that would lift away their Navy spouses from home for six months and patrol squadron VP-8 from NAS Brunswick, Maine for good.
The 50 sailors departing Friday morning would lead the squadron's departure from NAS Brunswick, Maine for the last time, starting the migration of planes and Navy personnel to prepare for base closure in May 2011.
At the end of their deployment in June, the squadron that's in the process of leaving now will return to their new headquarters in NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where all of the remaining four squadrons will permanently relocate during the course of the next year.
But neither the squadron's permanent relocation nor the base's closure could outweigh the hard reality of deployment for Jenae Skaugstad, who watched in tears as her husband, Chief Michael Skaugstad, left the morning after Thanksgiving for the couple's second deployment.
"It doesn't get any easier," she said, standing in the hangar doorway.
She's been in NAS Brunswick, Maine a year and a half and will work through the winter while her husband deploys. In the summer, she'll move to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Friday morning started a week of such goodbyes as about 375 squadron members leave throughout the coming week.
"The last planes fly out on Friday," said Cmdr. Sean Liedman, the squadron's second in command, after the squadron's commanding officer Cmdr. Eric Wiese led the first planes away. Ending two tours in NAS Brunswick, Maine, Liedman would leave Saturday night taking other squadron members to a second deployment location.
"Of all the places I've drug my family around, this is the one my family considers home," he said.
After deployment, he will return to NAS Brunswick, Maine to pack up his family to move to NAS Jacksonville, Florida when the school year ends.
While it's exciting to execute a mission on deployment, he said, squadron members also realize their departure means farewell to a community and a base they've come to value in the Fighting Tigers' 37-year history in NAS Brunswick, Maine.
"I've been in the Navy 23 years, and I can't think of any other place with a tighter relationship between the base and the wing and the community," said Capt. Jim Hoke, who oversees the base's squadrons as Commodore of Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing 5.
It's a relationship that will become obsolete as the other squadrons follow VP-8's lead, and fly out of NAS Brunswick, Maine for the last time. Three more squadrons will depart this summer. Another departs in December 2009.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Today, it all becomes real: Squadron's departure today marks key phase - 11/28/2008..." Website: The Times Record http://www.timesrecord.com/ [29NOV2008]
Today marks the beginning of the end of NAS Brunswick, Maine. The first of its five squadrons, Patrol Squadron 8, leaves NAS Brunswick, Maine for good this morning, starting an outflow of sailors and families who will both close a 65-year-old military installation and irrevocably change a community.
The squadron's first planes depart today, en route to a six-month deployment in the Middle East. The rest of the squadron's nearly 300 personnel will follow during the next week.
When they return in June from the desert's monochromatic environment, they won't be flying into Maine's vibrant green and blue landscape and uncluttered airspace. Instead, they'll start the exodus of Brunswick's P-3 Orion squadrons to their new headquarters in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Three more squadrons will leave this summer and one more in December 2009 to facilitate the scheduled base closing in May 2011.
Capt. William Fitzgerald, commanding officer at BNAS, said the squadron's departure won't cause any immediate change on the base, which still provides support services for the remaining 85 percent of the base's active military personnel.
But it does serve as reminder of an event constituting the focus of his command.
"I think it's symbolic, certainly, of the beginning of the end of Naval Air Station Brunswick," Fitzgerald said. "If people had doubted if the base closure was going to happen, this ought to be a pretty good reminder that the base closure process has begun."
He said the squadron, which has participated in every major military operation since World War II, has been headquartered in Brunswick since 1971. With its departure, the squadron leaves 37 years of history and tradition in the town.
"I think the community loses something with its going," Fitzgerald said.
To some, 2011 might seem a long way off, but the reality of closure hits today for VP-8 commanding officer Cmdr. Eric Wiese, who according to tradition, will lead the departing squadron in the first plane scheduled to deploy. His take-off was scheduled for 11 a.m. today.
Wiese has spent three tours in Brunswick and is saddened to lead the squadron from Brunswick. This week, he's watched the walls in Hangar Five be divested of VP-8 memorabilia, as the squadron packs up its belongings to leave an empty hangar and a history in Brunswick rooted deep in the Cold War when P-3 Orions tracked and hunted Soviet submarines.
"To sum up, it's the end of an era," he said.
The squadron's departure also has significant personal impact for Wiese and many of the sailors under his command.
"We've made some great friends in our three tours here," he said, about his own family of five children and one foster child.
"It's a very emotional time for families because there's so much to do," he said, not only as squadron jobs become hectic with deployment preparations and family lives grow increasingly chaotic negotiating a move to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Aviation Electrician David Adauto has been in Brunswick for more than four years, and his wife and three girls are preparing to leave as soon as he deploys.
"I was really sad they are leaving the base," he said. "You don't worry about violence here. You don't worry about crime. It's a safe environment."
Like some of his squadron members, he'll also miss Maine for other reasons, too.
"The skiing," for one, he said.
"Having four seasons," for another, said Lt. Eliot Weston, who added he had a housemate who vowed he'd return to Brunswick someday.
Some sailors took advantage of a two-week leave period to move their families to NAS Jacksonville, Florida already, so spouses and children won't have to move on their own. In the meantime, they've been living as "geographic bachelors," waiting to deploy.
Other families will move at the end of the school year, when a second squadron departs for good from the base.
And still others will move sometime during the next six months.
"They are like pioneer women," Wiese said. "They're going to move their families on their own during deployment."
Deployment isn't easy for any family, especially during the holidays. Even with the added difficulty of knowing they will not return to Brunswick, the members of VP-8 and their families have stayed focus on the immediate task of preparing for the squadron's departure.
"Brunswick squadrons are known for their professionalism and attention to detail and operational excellence," Wiese said. "That's just been a tradition in Brunswick."
The squadrons' departure ends another Navy tradition in Brunswick, one of cooperation and camaraderie with the community outside the fence.
"I'm not sure that it's sunk in: the impact to the local community and, more importantly, the local economy," said Capt. James Hoke, commanding officer of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Five, which encompasses all the Brunswick's squadrons. "This starts the process."
More than most other military installations, Brunswick's base seems to blend seamlessly with the community, he said, recalling stories of how Pleasant Street motel owners welcomed cashless sailors on their first night in town.
Starting now — and especially this summer as the brunt of families leave — military neighbors and friends, who are leaving to play a critical role in the fight overseas, and their families will become fewer and fewer as the squadrons follow VP-8's migration to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, he said.
"It's absolutely sad. This base is such a great set-up. The area is so great for families," he said. "But the nation has made a decision, so we press ahead and comply with the law."
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8, VP-10, VPU-1, CPRW-5, CPRW-11, NAS Brunswick, Maine and NAS Jacksonville, Florida 2009 Alignment By Richard R. Burgess..." Contributed by Antonio Diana tonidibla@netscape.net [27NOV2008]
VP-10 will relocate from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 June 2009. However, it will belong to Commander Patrol Reconnaissance Wing 5 (CPRW-5) until 1 Dec 2009, at which time it will belong to CPRW-11.
VP-8 will relocate from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 June 2009 and switch from CPRW-5 to CPRW-11.
VPU-1 will relocate from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida on 1 July 2009 and switch from CPRW-5 to CPRW-11.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Aircrew Wings "...Wings Oof Gold Awarded To New Aircrew by LT Phillip Sautter - VP-30 Public Affairs Officer (VP-1, VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-10, VP-16, VP-26, VP-30, VP-16, VP-40 and VP-46. ) - Thursday, October 9, 2008..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/jaxairnews/ss/jaxairnews/ [09OCT2008]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "... NASCAR Fleet Honorees Visit Upstate New York Youth Center - Story Number: NNS080813-05 - Release Date: 8/13/2008 3:32:00 PM - By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeremy J. Siegrist..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [15AUG2008]
ELMIRA, N.Y. (NNS) -- A group of Sailors made a few kids happier when they visited the Woodlawn Youth Center in Elmira Aug. 8.
Six Sailors from VP-8 were recognized as Fleet Honorees at the Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Before the race, the Fleet honorees visited the youth center to eat pizza, play video games and spend time with the children who regularly visit the center.
"Having the Sailors come in and just play video games and share some pizza with the kids is tremendous for them," continued Jodi Crane, Woodlawn founder, "it has definitely brightened their day."
Crane founded the center in December 2003 after she noticed a high need in and around the Hathorn neighborhood of Elmira.
"I watched every day and there were a ton of kids with nothing to do. I started the whole thing just by handing out lunches and playing kickball with them, this was a big need that just grew." said Crane.
Since its inception, the Woodlawn Youth Center has grown and now regularly sees 30 to 35 children a day come through its doors, to a place where they can relax and just be themselves.
"The kids really enjoyed themselves, and they enjoyed the positive influences. I would definitely invite Sailors back to the youth center, and I would encourage any other organization to have Sailors come in to visit, anytime," said Crane.
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Scott Tanner helped coordinate the event in Elmira, and is one of the local recruiters in the area attached to Navy Recruiting District Pittsburgh.
"Anytime we can get out there and help kids, or let people see what kind of good the Navy can do, it is a worthwhile cause. Being able to just hang out and interact with these kids was awesome.
Navy driver Brad Keselowski finished sixth at the Zippo 200, moving up to second in the Nationwide Series driver standings.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - Watkins Glen: Brad Keselowski NASCAR Nationwide Race Preview – The Navy team’s Fleet Honoree for this weekend’s race at Watkins Glen International is Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). VP-8's mission is to employ worldwide deployable combat aircrews in all-weather, maritime patrol and reconnaissance P-3C aircraft. Aircrews are trained and ready to execute decisive and effective Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW) and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations to directly support the mission of the Warfare Commander or the Ground Force Commander..." WebSite: PaddockTalk.com http://www.paddocktalk.com/ [08AUG2008]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FROM NAS Brunswick, Maine TO NAS Jacksonville, Florida By LCDR Mary Anne Andrews - CPRW-11 (Squadrons Mentioned: CPRW-5, VPU-1, VP-8, VP-10 and VP-26)..." Contributed by Antonio Diana tonidibla@netscape.net [27JUN2008]
CPRW-5 Commanding Officer Capt. Tyrone Payton and VP-8 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Eric Wiesz hosted an informational fair June 10 at NAS Brunswick, Maine for Sailors and their families who will be part of the homeport change to NAS Jacksonville, Florida beginning in the summer of 2009.
Four P-3C Orion patrol squadrons (VPU-1, VP-8, VP-10 and VP-26) and up to 1,300 Sailors will make the transition from Maine to Florida.
NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. attended the event and presented an overview of NAS Jax and current construction projects, including the $123 million hangar that will house five P-3C Orion squadrons and a C-130 Hercules logistics squadron.
The 277,000-square-foot hangar has room for approximately 33 P-3Cs, four C-130s and more than 1,600 personnel.
Scorby introduced Sally Patch from the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, whose presentation covered many aspects of life in Northeast Florida, including demographics, neighborhoods and job opportunities.
She concluded her briefing with a photographic tour of the area's recreational and historical attractions.
After the seated presentation, approximately 350 Sailors and family members toured the 17 information booths, including: the NAS Brunswick Personal Property Office; the Clay County and Jacksonville Chambers of Commerce; Duval County Public Schools; local colleges; the NAS Jax Fleet and Family Support Center; housing experts and others.
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) committee voted to close NAS Brunswick and move its aircraft operations to NAS Jacksonville. By law, the base must close by Sept.15, 2011.
"The focus today is to increase Sailors' knowledge and comfort about the move to Jacksonville," said Freddie Byers of the NAS Jacksonville BRAC office.
"We gave out a lot of good information. Our goal is to make this move less stressful and very successful."
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group - RADM Brian C. Prindle, USN. Wings of Gold - Spring 2008 - Page 6-8. (Squadrons/Wings Referenced: VP-62, VP-69, VQ-1, VQ-2, VPU-1, VPU-2, VP-1, VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-10, VP-16, VP-26, VP-30, VP-40, VP-45, VP-46, VP-47, CPRW-2, CPRW-5, CPRW-10 and CPRW-11..." WebSite: Association of Naval Aviation http://www.anahq.org/index.htm [23APR2008]
 Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Article 166KB
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 and VP-30 History "...CHAMGER: Aviators Suffer Same Effects as SCUBA Divers - Thursday, March 6th, 2008..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://adserver1.harvestadsdepot.com/jaxairnews/ss/jaxairnews/ [07MAR2008]
Circa 2007
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 SENDS AIRCREW TO THE MIDDLE EAST - PRESS RELEASE - LTJG Nicholas Hvozda - 01 AUGUST 2007..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [03SEP2008]
The Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron EIGHT wished farewell to their own Combat Air Crew (CAC) Three on Monday, July 30th as they departed on a military airlift for a temporary assignment to the FIFTH FLEET Area of Operations (AOR), which encompasses the Middle East and South-east Asia. While stationed there, the crew will be assigned to Task Group 57.2 as a supplemental aircrew to support ongoing operations in the Arabian Gulf and Iraq. Despite the fact that the assignment falls less than eight weeks after the squadron returned from their scheduled six-month deployment, the eleven members of CAC-3 were forward-thinking and had a positive attitude about their temporary duty. "Several of the crewmembers volunteered to return to the operational environment. They are ready to be involved in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, especially when they can provide useful support to soldiers and Marines on the ground in Iraq," said LCDR Jess Rivera, VP-8 Operations officer.
The assignment will last approximately six weeks. During that time, the crew will operate solely out of a U.S. controlled airfield, operated by the Air Force, located near the Arabian Gulf. They will endure the hottest months of the year in that region-a hazy, scorching, coastal desert atmosphere where temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Accommodations will consist of bunk-style living in an air-conditioned tent or trailer with separate public washrooms located nearby. Relief can be found during the off-hours at a swimming pool, theater, or a large covered gathering area located centrally in the living compound. Other conveniences include a gym, library, recreation center, base exchange and a media center.
Combat Aircrew Three consists of LT Harry Feigel, serving as Patrol Plane Commander and Mission Commander; LTJG Michael Hartmann and LTJG Jacob Lasota as Co-pilots; LT Ryan Ingram, Tactical Coordinator; LT Chris Curtin, Navigator; AD1 Carl Olesen and AM2 Michael Wall, Flight Engineers; AW3 Chad Woehler, Radar Operator; AW2 Juan Crespo-Camacho and AW3 Edwin Ware as Acoustic Operators; and AT3 Cristel Luther as the In-flight Technician.
In the next several months, VP-8 will be providing additional combat ready aircrews and maintenance personnel to support Task Group 57.2 in the FIFTH FLEET AOR as part of a plan to bolster the operational readiness of the deployed maritime patrol force.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Sean Dusa
7 December 2007
PATROL SQUADRON 8 CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Patrol Squadron (VP) EIGHT celebrated Native American Heritage Month on November 30 by welcoming Donna Loring, Penobscot tribal member and Penobscot Indian Nation representative to the Maine state legislature, and Penobscot Indian Nation tribal elder Charles Norman Shay. After touring the VP-8 hangar spaces, both guests spoke at the NAS Brunswick Reserve Center auditorium to an audience from all commands across the base including Captain Tyrone Payton, Commodore Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE and Commander Peter Garvin, Commanding Officer Patrol Squadron EIGHT.
In her remarks Representative Loring, a Vietnam veteran, said "The Maine tribes have taken part in every war that America has fought from the War for Independence to Afghanistan and Iraq." Mr. Shay, a distinguished Army veteran who earned a Silver Star on the beaches of Normandy during World War II and a Bronze Star in Korea, echoed her sentiments. The event also featured a performance by the Red Hawk Medicine Drum Group and native arts from Chuck Hagan, the Hudson Museum, and the Maine Indian Basket Makers Alliance.
Native American Heritage Month traces its roots to 1915 when President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation making the second Saturday of each May "American Indian Day." Since 1990, a national proclamation each year has designated the month of November as "National American Indian Heritage Month" to recognize the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States of America. The themes for this year's month are "Guiding Our Destiny with Heritage and Traditions" and "A Native Prescription: Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit." The events at NAS Brunswick were planned by Patrol Squadron EIGHT Diversity Committee chaired by Intelligence Specialist First Class (Surface Warfare) Chandra Clifton.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - One Man's IA..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LT Justin Lehnig
26 NOVEMBER 2007
One Man's IA
Individual Augmentation (IA's) orders are generally looked upon with doubt and skepticism by service members; most often due to fear of the unknown. Some common questions that arise when faced with an IA are: where am I going, what will I be doing, how will I be trained, etc.? This article is the first in a series that will follow ASC Joseph Mahoney of Patrol Squadron EIGHT throughout his IA, hopefully dispelling some of the associated fears.
ASC Mahoney volunteered for his IA to serve as part of an Embedded Training Team. Embedded Training Teams are comprised of logistic, medical, and maintenance mentors from the Army, Navy and Air Force who are being trained to advise Host Nation Armies (HNA's) in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, making those forces more self reliant. Drawing on vast experience garnered from a career in Naval Aviation, ASC Mahoney will train HNA's as a Maintenance Mentor. These Host Nation Armies work hand in hand with US forces now, but will soon operate on their own as US forces draw down in those countries. ADM Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was recently quoted as saying "These teams are really the answer for us to getting out of Iraq and Afghanistan." This statement shows how important an IA can be and how committed the United States military is to the success of the IA program.
ADM Mullen was quoted at Camp Funston, Kansas, where most of the training for the Embedded Training Teams is conducted. ASC Mahoney is presently training at Camp Funston as well. His course of instruction has included education in cultural awareness, language, combat tactics, weapons systems, night qualification on the M4 and driving the High Mobility Multipurpose Military Vehicle (HMMMV), or Humvee, at night on Night Vision Goggles (NVG's). Though these "ground force" orientated subjects may be unfamiliar to most Sailors, ASC Mahoney is excelling in all facets of this challenging training environment.
As ASC Mahoney's training progresses, he will deploy to the Central Command Area of Responsibility to put this training to good use. Look to the Patroller for future installments of our series on ASC Mahoney's IA.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - VP-8 HOSTS CHILDREN FROM NAS BRUNSWICK FOR A "HAUNTED HANGAR"..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-1179
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Sean Dusa
15 NOV 2007
VP-8 HOSTS CHILDREN FROM NAS BRUNSWICK FOR A "HAUNTED HANGAR"
Patrol Squadron 8 held its annual "Halloween Haunted Hanger" on October 31. For the event each work center transformed their respective space with sometimes scary, sometimes mild Halloween decorations and handed out candy to eager Trick or Treaters. The event was open to all children from the NAS Brunswick community and turnout was excellent with a steady flow of costumed revelers throughout the afternoon and early evening. Special congratulations go to the Administration department for being judged the best decorated shop but all participants deserve praise for providing a fun and safe event for the base's children while still executing a full day's flight schedule.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - RUN FOR RELIEF 5K RAISES MONEY FOR NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
19 OCT 2007
RUN FOR RELIEF 5K RAISES MONEY FOR NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY
The Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 Officers Spouses' Club sponsored a 5K run titled the "Run for Relief" on October 12th. The group organized the event to raise money for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Mrs. Tonya Hartsell, who organized the race, noted, "The Spouse's club has held this event for numerous years. We choose to donate to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society because it keeps the money in the house; it benefits Navy personnel directly."
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit charitable organization providing financial, educational, and other assistance to members of the Naval Services of the United States. They are committed to "ensure that all available resources are used to assist personnel of the Naval Services-active, retired, and their eligible family members-to achieve financial self-sufficiency and find solution to emergency needs."
Race day brought a Nor'Easter with constant rain, yet the run was held as planned. Twenty-seven intrepid personnel from VP-8, VPU-1, and AIMD gathered at the starting line at noon for the race. The course looped through NAS Brunswick beginning and ending at the Thrift Shop. The environmental conditions that day added a challenge for the runners with wind, rain and puddles. A water table was staged along the route to provide relief for thirsty runners. Mr. Paul Austin from the NAS Brunswick Morale, Recreation, and Welfare office helped the volunteers from the club set the course and provided cones and traffic guides along the route for safety.
At the finish line, the race organizers awarded medals to the top male and female finishers in each of three age categories: 18-29, 30-39, and 40 and Over. The winners were: Male 18-29, LT Michael Donnelly; Male 30-39, LTJG Chris Himes; Male 40 Plus, CDR Dave Clement; Female 18-29, AZ3 Valerie Cook; Female 30-39, Rosemary Rivera; Female 40 Plus, No Entry.
The Officer's Spouses club accepted a donation as an entry fee for the race, and each runner who donated $25 or more received a "Run for Relief" race t-shirt, yet the bulk of the money raised for the event came from over a dozen local business sponsors. In all, the club raised $1258 for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to whom they will present a check in the near future.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - VP-8 OBSERVES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
15 OCT 2007
VP-8 OBSERVES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Patrol Squadron EIGHT celebrated National Hispanic Heritage month on October 12th with a potluck lunch of ethnic Hispanic food and a few words from LCDR Jess Rivera, VP-8's Operations Officer. The theme of the month was "Hispanic Americans: making a positive impact on American Society."
The ceremony was conducted in the squadron snack bar located in Hangar Five South. Various Hispanic dishes were prepared by VP-8 Sailors and donations for the luncheon were accepted to benefit the VP-8 Morale, Welfare, and Recreation fund.
LCDR Rivera reflected on the service of Admiral David Farragut, the son of a Spanish merchant captain, during his remarks. Admiral Farragut served in the Navy from the age of twelve and is known as the first "full" Admiral in the US Navy. His contributions as the Commanding Officer of various vessels and squadrons in the Civil War were instrumental to Union victory. His career exemplifies Hispanic-American contributions to the US Navy, American society and our nation as a whole.
This luncheon is the first in a series of events planned by the Fighting Tiger Diversity Committee. The Committee is drawn from all pay grades within VP-8 and is designed to celebrate America's diverse cultural backgrounds and our rich heritage. Our nation was founded on the motto: "E Pluribus Unum." Which is Latin for "Out of Many, One." Celebrate!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - VP-8 VISITS SCOTLAND FOR EXERCISE NEPTUNE WARRIOR..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LT Chad Tyler
4 October 2007
VP-8 VISITS SCOTLAND FOR EXERCISE NEPTUNE WARRIOR
Patrol Squadron EIGHT's (VP-8) Combat Aircrew (CAC) Two recently returned from Neptune Warrior, a multi-national NATO exercise that took place off the coast of northwestern Scotland. CAC-2 was accompanied by twenty squadron maintainers and two aircrews from VP-26.
The three aircrews flew a total of 15 missions with two airplanes during the 10-day exercise in September. 100% aircraft availability was a testament to the outstanding work performed by the VP-8 maintenance crew led by Aviation Structural Mechanic (AM) Chief Stephen Berris and AM1 Kraig Osborne.
Flying from Royal Air Force Station Kinloss, Scotland to operating areas in the North Atlantic near and among the Hebrides Islands of Scotland provided invaluable experience for all three aircrews. Each crew flew against diesel and nuclear-powered submarines in exercises ranging from 'one versus one' encounters to all-out war scenarios involving complex, coordinated operations with ships, submarines and aircraft from other countries.
The countries represented in the exercise by their Naval and Air Forces were the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Norway and New Zealand. The objective of the exercise was to prepare the participating NATO nations to work together successfully in a maritime environment. Exercise Neptune Warrior provided a joint training environment that allowed the nations to develop common procedures, learn from each other and practice interoperability.
While everyone involved worked hard, the trip was not all work. The Kinloss area is rich with history and sightseeing opportunities. Sailors toured distilleries and learned the history and methods of making Scotch whisky on the famous "Whisky trail." They also took the opportunity to tour the many castles in the area, the battlefield of Culloden, and a historic highland fort, Fort George. Some took time to tee-off in the birth land of golf while others visited Loch Ness and tried their luck at finding the legendary creature "Nessie."
While the Loch Ness Monster proved impossible to find, the aircrews successfully located their assigned submarines during the exercise which is what being on patrol is all about!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - VP-8 SAILOR SAVES BOY'S LIFE..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Hangar 5 South
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LCDR Paul Hockran
10 SEPTEMBER 2007
VP-8 SAILOR SAVES BOY'S LIFE
Patrol Squadron (VP) 8's Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class (AM2) William Henninger is credited with saving the life of a 6 year-old boy last week at a housing unit located on Naval Air Station Brunswick.
It was an ordinary Friday night at 24 Antietam Street in NAS Brunswick housing. Petty Officer Henninger was on his deck in the backyard grilling dinner with his father and son. A couple of young boys, ages 6 and 3, from the neighborhood came out of the backyard trees and walked up to pet the neighbor's chained dog.
As the 6 year-old crossed into the dog's comfort zone, the dog attacked. The dog latched onto the boy's throat and began to savagely shake him. Petty Officer Henninger jumped from his deck and rushed to the boy. He struck the dog three or four times but the dog retained his grip on the boy's throat. AM2 mustered up all that he had and struck the dog one last time - the dog, dazed, let go of the boy.
Blood was squirting from the wounds on the boy's neck. AM2 applied direct pressure to the boy's wounds and carried him safely away from the dog. AM2's father dialed 911 while AM2 continued to apply pressure and talk to the boy, who was in shock.
Paramedics arrived and transported the boy to the emergency room. After being released from the hospital on Sunday, the boy stopped by to thank Petty Officer Henninger and ask "How did you get the dog off of me?"
Petty Officer Henninger does not think he did anything special, "I just reacted. If it had been my child, I hope someone would have done the same thing."
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - MASTER CHIEF ANDERSON ASSUMES POST OF FIGHTING TIGER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-1179
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
20 AUGUST 2007
MASTER CHIEF ANDERSON ASSUMES POST OF FIGHTING TIGER COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 recently welcomed Command Master Chief (SW) David L. Anderson as their new Command Master Chief. Anderson assumes this title following a highly successful tour as Command Master Chief aboard USS Vicksburg (CG 69), homeported at Naval Station Mayport, Fla. He replaces Command Master Chief (AW/SW/NAC) Jerry Holloman in the position, who will be moving on to become the Command Master Chief for Naval Air Station Brunswick.
Master Chief Anderson graduated from William T. Sampson High School in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1982. He enlisted in the Navy in 1984 and attended Basic Training and Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE) School in Orlando, Florida. He then attended Fire Controlman class "A" and "C" schools in Great Lakes, Illinois.
At sea, Master Chief Anderson's assignments have been aboard USS Marvin G. Shields (FF 1066), USS Badger (FF 1071), USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Carney (DDG 64), and USS Vicksburg (CG 69) as the Command Master Chief where the crew earned the coveted "Battle Efficiency" or Battle "E" Award for 2006.
Ashore, Master Chief Anderson's assignments include a tour as recruiter in charge in Hilo, Hawaii, instructor duty at AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, Dahlgren, Va., and as the Fire Controlman Lead Detailer in Millington, Tenn.
He has completed deployments in the Western and Eastern Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans; the Mediterranean Sea, Sea of Japan, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf.
His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (five awards), Volunteer Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (six awards), Pistol and Rifle Expert, and various service and campaign awards.
He is a graduate of the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy (class 114 brown) and Command Master Chief course of instruction.
Master Chief Anderson-who has served aboard cruisers and destroyers his entire career-noted, "I'm happy to wear these brown shoes: I'm here to knock down barriers. My biggest challenge will be wrapping my arms around the new vocabulary [in the aviation community]. Leadership is leadership, and Sailors are Sailors." Anderson also mentioned his eagerness for the opportunity to earn a new warfare qualification, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS). "It has been twenty years since I have worked for a new qualification," he said.
Master Chief Anderson will be stationed with the Tigers for three years. His wife, Candy, and their children, Alexis (20) and Sean (16), plan to remain in Jacksonville, Florida. anticipating VP-8's future homeport change.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - FIGHTING TIGERS WIN STATE OF MAINE SOFTBALL TITLE..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Hangar 5 South
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
02 AUGUST 2007
VP-8 FIGHTING TIGERS WIN STATE OF MAINE SOFTBALL TITLE
Last Sunday, July 29th, VP-8's Fighting Tigers softball team beat Scarborough Muffler Center to win the Men's Class E South slow-pitch softball title for the State of Maine. To secure the victory, the Tigers outplayed a field of 18 teams during the course of a weekend tournament held in the adjacent towns of Saco and Biddeford, Maine.
The Fighting Tigers won five straight games in the double-elimination tournament to gain a place in the finals-including a victory over the Scarborough Muffler Center team. As the Tigers approached the finals in the winner's bracket, Scarborough continued winning in the consolation bracket to secure a position in the final game. When the two teams faced off in the finals on Sunday, Scarborough was the victor, 4-2; yet, each team had suffered only one loss and a rematch was required for the trophy. In the final game, VP-8 succeeded with a 10-5 win.
Aviation Structural Mechanic Chief (AMC) Steve Berris commented on how the team played: "Our defense was amazing; no team scored more than seven points against us in a single game."
The tournament was an officially sanctioned and regulated invitational event of the Maine Amateur Softball Association (http://www.maineasa.org).
The team, managed by Aviation Warfare Systems Specialist Second Class (AW2) Justin McEntire, has been an intramural establishment at VP-8 for several years. They took second place in the same Class E tournament and second place in the NAS Brunswick tournament last year. Though they missed most of the NAS Brunswick intramural games this season due to their scheduled six-month deployment, the team has been practicing regularly since the squadron returned in June.
The Fighting Tiger team has remained on the field. They played in and won the NAS Brunswick intramural softball tournament on July 31st, beating the USS Stinson in the finals. They also played in the Maine Class D tournament the weekend of August 4th.
Participation in that tournament qualifies the Tiger team for the Military World Series held in Orlando, FL on the weekend of August 18th-which they plan to attend if able. For now, the State of Maine Class E trophy will be displayed proudly in the VP-8 squadron spaces at Hangar 5 South, Brunswick, ME.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - RETURNS TO NAS BRUNSWICK..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
09 JUNE 2007
PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT RETURNS TO NAS BRUNSWICK
On June 9th, the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron EIGHT concluded their six-month deployment to Southwest Asia and the Western Pacific. Patrol Squadron EIGHT, a Navy Maritime Patrol squadron based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Brunswick, Maine, consists of nine P-3C Orion aircraft and over 400 active duty Navy men and women. Though the bulk of the squadron had arrived on P-3C aircraft and contracted airlifts throughout the week prior, the final aircraft returned on June 9th with the squadron's Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Garvin, on board marking the official end of the deployment.
During their six-month deployment, Patrol Squadron Eight flew over 1300 sorties and over 8000 flight hours supporting Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM. Many of the missions flown in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM included sorties in Iraqi airspace providing real-time Imagery, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to U.S. and coalition ground forces.
Patrol Squadron EIGHT also flew maritime patrols in international waters promoting security and stability in the maritime shipping environment and to complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of partner nations in the region. In the process, Tiger aircrews operated in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The Tigers also participated in maritime interoperability exercises with several allies in their Area of Responsibility (AOR), supporting the Chief of Naval Operations' 1000-ship Navy concept: an approach that would integrate other nations' ships with U.S. fleets as needed to accomplish specific missions and operations around the globe.
In addition to supporting operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, aircrew and maintenance personnel supplemented Patrol Squadron FOUR's Western Pacific deployment. Patrol Squadron FOUR is home-ported in at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In the Pacific, Tiger crews were able to practice and apply the P-3C Orion's traditional anti-submarine warfare mission. They also conducted two real-world search and rescue missions, providing assistance to distressed mariners.
Throughout the deployment, the squadron's maintenance and support branches worked hard and showed exceptional performance in maintaining the venerable Orion. The challenge of maintaining mission-ready aircraft in the Middle-eastern theater was amplified by adverse environmental conditions, detachment locations, and operational tempo. Ambient temperatures in the AOR often exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevertheless, the Fighting Tiger maintenance team kept the squadron's aircraft flying with a record-setting mission completion rate.
The Fighting Tigers are happy to be returning to their home base of NAS Brunswick, Maine to spend the summer with their families and friends. They are thankful for the support shown by local area organizations and schools while away. The Fighting Tigers will enjoy some post-deployment leave and then start training and preparing for their 2008 deployment.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT - HOLDS 58th CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [08MAR2008]
Patrol Squadron Eight
Public Affairs Office
Unit 60164
FPO AE 09501-5904
(207) 921-2108
PRESS RELEASE
LTJG Nicholas Hvozda
16 MAY 2007
PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT
HOLDS 58th CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY
The U.S. Navy's Patrol Squadron EIGHT held its 58th Change of Command on May 16th at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. During the ceremony, Commander Peter A. Garvin relieved Commander Christopher P. Ramsden and became the Fighting Tigers' 59th Commanding Officer. Rear Admiral Arthur Johnson, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet, oversaw the ceremony and offered remarks as the guest speaker.
Patrol Squadron EIGHT flies the P-3C Orion, Aircraft Improvement Program (AIP) aircraft. The Orion, a military derivative of the Lockheed Electra was originally designed for maritime patrol. The P-3C Orion is recognized throughout the world for its capabilities as a Maritime Patrol Under-Sea Warfare (USW), and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform. Patrol Squadron EIGHT has been flying a version of the Orion since October 1962, when it became the fleet's first operational P-3A Orion squadron.
CDR Ramsden, a native of Windham, New Hampshire, graduated from Norwich University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.
CDR Garvin, born in Poughkeepsie, New York, lived the majority of his youth in Boca Raton, Florida. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.
Commander Eric S. Wiese, a 1990 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, assumed duties as the Executive Officer.
The FIGHTING TIGERS, normally based at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, are currently deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, conducting detachments in Iraq and other sites in support of ongoing military operations. The squadron has safely flown over 7000 hours and over 1200 sorties in support of Operations IRAQI and ENDURING FREEDOM, JTF Horn of Africa, and FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleet this deployment. The squadron will complete their six month deployment and return stateside in early June.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Maine news briefs - June 06, 2007 6:00 AM - Patrol Squadron Eight back at Brunswick base..." WebSite: Seacoastonline http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070606/NEWS/706060369/-1/NEWS01 [07JUN2007]
BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Patrol Squadron Eight is back home at Brunswick Naval Air Station after a six-month deployment in which it flew missions over Iraq.
The squadron, known as the "Flying Tigers," began returning last week after completing a six-month deployment to the Middle East and the Pacific. On Monday, some of the last 400 members arrived aboard a chartered jet.
The Fighting Tigers' detachment of P-3 Orions provided U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq with real-time imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance data. It also participated in two search-and-rescue operations, officials said.
The squadron was deployed overseas in December, flying some missions out of Qatar, an Arab state on the Persian Gulf. Cmdr. Peter A. Garvin was sworn in as the squadron's new commander last month during a ceremony at the Al Udied Air Base in Qatar.
The squadron flew more than 1,300 missions and logged more than 8,000 flight hours, said Nicholas Hvozda, the squadron's public affairs officer.
Fighting Tiger members began arriving in small numbers last week. The largest contingent — more than 100 members — landed in Brunswick around 3:35 p.m. Monday.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron Returns To BNAS - POSTED: 11:29 am EDT June 5, 2007..." WebSite: WMTW.COM http://www.wmtw.com/news/13445026/detail.html [06JUN2007]
BRUNSWICK, Maine -- Patrol Squadron 8, which flew missions over Iraq, is back home at Brunswick Naval Air Station.
The squadron known as the Flying Tigers began returning last week after completing a six-month deployment to the Middle East and the Pacific. On Monday, the last of the 400 members arrived aboard a chartered jet.
The Fighting Tigers' detachment of P-3 Orions provided U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq with real-time imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance data.
The squadron's public affairs officer said the airplanes flew more than 1,300 missions and logged more than 8,000 flight hours. No serious injuries or damage were reported during the deployment.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Warm welcome at BNAS - Family members are relieved and happy to watch the return of Patrol Squadron Eight from the war zone. By DENNIS HOEY Staff Writer June 5, 2007..." WebSite: Portland Press Herald http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=110707&ac=PHnws [06JUN2007]
BRUNSWICK — Stephanie Polson, hands clasped, stared intently at the chartered jet that had just taxied to the entrance of one of Brunswick Naval Air Station's cavernous hangars.
Polson, wearing a bright pink jacket, waited another 30 minutes or so before the men and women from Patrol Squadron Eight began to emerge from the jet. When she saw her fiance, Kenny Ritz, she bolted for him.
Polson jumped into the air, wrapping her legs around Ritz's waist just as he dropped his bag to catch her. They have been engaged for about a year and will be married on Sept. 1.br>
"I'm not going to let go of him," Polson said. "They (the Navy) have had him for the last six months. Now he's mine."
Polson, who flew to Maine from her home in Colorado, was among a crowd of about 150 relatives and friends who gathered at the air station on Monday afternoon to welcome back members of Patrol Squadron Eight -- also known as The Fighting Tigers.
Last week the squadron began returning to Brunswick after completing a six-month deployment to the Middle East and the Pacific. Crews flew many missions over Iraq.
The Fighting Tigers' detachment of P-3 Orion airplanes provided U.S. and coalition forces on the ground in Iraq with real-time imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance data.
No serious injuries to squadron members or damage to airplanes were reported during the deployment.
Nicholas Hvozda, the squadron's public affairs officer, said the squadron, which has more than 400 members, flew more than 1,300 missions and logged more than 8,000 flight hours.
The squadron was deployed overseas in December, flying some missions out of Qatar, an Arab state on the Persian Gulf.
Cmdr. Peter A. Garvin was sworn in as the squadron's new commander last month during a ceremony at the Al Udied Air Base in Qatar.
Hvozda said Patrol Squadron Eight also assisted with two search-and-rescue operations. In one case, air crews provided life rafts and medical supplies to mariners whose vessel had caught fire.
Fighting Tiger members began arriving in small waves last week, with the largest contingent -- more than 100 members -- landing in Brunswick around 3:35 p.m. Monday. Their chartered jet flew into Brunswick from Iceland, where it stopped to refuel on Sunday night.
"It was a long flight, but it feels really good to be home," said Ritz. "It was really hot over there. I think the temperatures got up to 140 degrees."
Ritz is an air mechanic, but on his Middle East tour he did a stint as a base security guard -- an assignment that had his family worried about his safety.
"We're very proud of him," said his mother, Lisa Ritz, who along with her husband, Paul, drove more than 2,200 miles from their home outside Denver to greet their son.
The Ritzes not only wanted to see their son, but they wanted to make sure he would have a car to drive when he returned.
That's why the couple took four days to drive their son's Ford Mustang to Brunswick.
Steven Schedlbauer's 8-year-old son, Bryce Schedlbauer, had one word to describe his father's long-awaited return.
"Happy," the boy said as he leaned his head against Steven Schedlbauer's leg.
Schedlbauer is a squadron storekeeper, who makes sure its members are supplied with all the provisions they need.
He was greeted by his wife, Misty, and daughters Ralynne, 15, and Alyssa, 13. Schedlbauer said he was looking forward to picking up his youngest daughter, Bayley, 2, from day care.
"We just got into Brunswick last August from Jacksonville," Misty said. "It was the first time we had seen snow. Steven left me with the snow blower."
Their summer plans call for taking in a few movies and doing a couple of barbecues.
"Steven kept telling me (when he was overseas) that he misses beef. I think he is looking forward to grilling some burgers and hot dogs," she added.
Seth Eisenmerget is a P-3 Orion navigator.
"We flew a lot of missions," he said, referring to the squadron's 1,300 sorties. "It was a lot of hard work and a lot of long hours."
He commended the squadron's maintenance crews, which had to keep airplane engines and equipment running smoothly despite sand being blown into them from desert winds.
"Without them, we could not have accomplished what we did over there," he said.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be reached at 725-8795 or at dhoey@pressherald.com.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...BRUNSWICK: Executive officer assumes command of BNAS squadron..." WebSite: MaineToday.com http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=106364 [19MAY2007]
Peter A. Garvin assumed command of the NAS Brunswick, Maine`s VP-8 this week.
Garvin replaced outgoing Commander Christopher P. Ramsden during a ceremony at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where the Fighting Tigers squadron is deployed.
Ramsden served as Squadron Commander for a year. During that time, the squadron flew more than 7,000 hours in support of U.S. military activity in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Garvin has served as the Squadron`s Executive Officer since May 2006.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Desert Prowl "...VP-8 Deployment PATRON Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Dec 2006 - Jun 2007..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [03MAY2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Operation Enduring Freedom "...VP-5, VP-8, VP-10, VP-26, VP-40 and VP-45 - Deployment PATRON Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Dec 2006 - Jun 2007..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [03MAY2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 Command Structure..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/ [03MAY2007]
 CO - Christopher Ramsden VP-8 Commanding Officer, Cdr Christopher Ramsden
A native of Windham, NH, CDR Ramsden graduated from Norwich University in June 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and was commissioned an Ensign. Following flight training he received his wings in Sacramento, California in 1990
In April of 1991, after FRS training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY in Jacksonville, Florida he reported to Patrol Squadron TWENTY-SIX in Brunswick, Maine and deployed to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and twice to Sigonella, Sicily supporting Operations DESERT CALM, SOUTHERN WATCH and SHARP GUARD. His assignments included Readiness/SORTS Officer and NFO NATOPS Officer. In 1994 he was selected to fire the first Navy Maverick Missile (War-shot) launched from a fleet operational P-3C Orion.
From October 1994 to August 1996 he was assigned to the staff of Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic/Task Force Eight Four in Norfolk, Virginia as Flag Lieutenant. During this tour he deployed from July to November 1995 to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba with Joint Task Force ONE SIX ZERO during Operation SEA SIGNAL where he assumed the additional duties of Flag Secretary and Security Officer.
In September 1996 he reported aboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS where he served as Operations Administration Officer, Command Security Manager and Officer of the Deck, completing a six month Arabian Gulf deployment and home port change to San Diego, CA.
In October 1998 upon transfer to VP-30, he qualified as a Fleet Replacement Squadron NFO Instructor and served as Fleet Training Officer in the newly established Weapons Tactics Unit. His duties included leadership of the AIP Fleet Introduction Team, the Combined Fleet Instructor Under Training Team, the Aircrew Coordination Training Model Manager and the Special Projects Team.
From June 2000 to August 2002 he served as a Department Head in Patrol Squadron FIVE and was assigned as CTG 84.1 Operations Officer, Tactics Officer, Training Officer, CTG 67.1 Operations Officer and Squadron Operations Officer.
Following his department head tour, he reported to PMA-205/290 where he served as the Assistant Program Manager for Training Systems for the Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (P-8A) where he developed the training structure for the follow-on aircraft to the P-3C.
CDR Ramsden has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Six Awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various other unit and individual awards. Additionally he is authorized to wear the Basic Parachutist Badge and the Submarine Warfare Insignia.
 XO - CDR Peter A. Garvin Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Commander Pete Garvin lived the majority of his youth in Boca Raton, Florida. He graduated with merit from the United States Naval Academy in 1989 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. He subsequently reported to Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas for flight training and received his pilot wings in August 1992. Upon completion of Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), Commander Garvin reported to the "Pelicans" of Patrol Squadron FORTY FIVE (VP-45) stationed aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida. While there he served as the Ordnance Branch Officer, Readiness Officer and Pilot NATOPS Officer and completed deployments to Keflavik, Iceland, Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and Sigonella, Sicily. He was selected as the Association of Naval Aviation's (ANA) "Pilot of the Year" for 1995. In June 1996, Commander Garvin reported as Flag Lieutenant to Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic, Commander, Task Force EIGHTY FOUR (CTF-84) in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon completion of his ‘loop’ tour, he reported aboard the amphibious assault ship USS KEARSARGE (LHD-3) as Navigator in January 1998. He deployed to the Mediterranean in support of Operations NOBLE ANVIL, SHINING HOPE, ALLIED FORCE, JOINT GUARDIAN and AVID RESPONSE and served as Flag Navigator for the embarked Amphibious Squadron SIX. While onboard KEARSARGE, he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). In October 1999 Commander Garvin reported to VP-30 where he served as Administrative Department Head and Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot. In August 2000 he reported to the “Mad Foxes” of Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5) for his operational department head tour. He completed a deployment to the Mediterranean in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and served as Command Services Officer, Assistant Maintenance Officer, CTF-60 VP LNO, Officer In Charge – VP Detachment Souda Bay, Crete, and Maintenance Officer. In November 2002, Commander Garvin reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Millington, Tennessee where he served as Assistant Washington DC Placement Officer. In August 2004, Commander Garvin moved to Washington to further his education at the National War College where he earned a Master’s Degree in National Security Strategy and completed his Joint Professional Military Education. Upon graduation in June 2005, Commander Garvin reported as executive assistant to Commander, Patrol Wing and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE and completed training to assume duties as Executive Officer, Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit and campaign decorations.
 CMC(AW/SW/NAC) - Jerry Holloman Master Chief Holloman was born in Ruislip, England. He enlisted under the delayed entry program in September 1982 and completed basic training in June 1983. Master Chief Holloman is a graduate of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from New Hampshire College.
Master Chief Holloman served aboard Patrol Squadron Twenty Three (VP-23), two tours, Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), and U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN 65). During his career, he completed deployments to the Arabian Gulf, Mediterranean, Atlantic, North Atlantic, and Caribbean theaters.
Ashore, Master Chief Holloman served as Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor at Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), Jacksonville, Florida, Operations Leading Chief Petty Officer at Commander, Patrol Wing Five, Brunswick, Maine and Department Leading Chief Petty Officer at Maritime Command and Control System School, Dam Neck, Virginia.
In June 2005, he reported to Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8), for his current assignment as Command Master Chief.
His personal awards include the Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (four awards) and various service and campaign awards.
Circa 2006
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 2006 CAP Recipients..." WebSite: VP-8 Enlisted Support Group http://vp8.phpnet.us/ [03SEP2008]
VP8 2006 CAP Recipients
Command Advancement Program:
AM2 Cigno to the rank of First Class Petty Officer
AE3 Plunk to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer
AOAN Schroeder to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class.
Congrats to all three, we at home are very proud of you!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Tigers doing what Tigers do!..." WebSite: VP-8 Enlisted Support Group http://vp8.phpnet.us/ [03SEP2008]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Air Station Brunswick Brunswick, ME 11/21/2006 - (Squadrons Photograph's: VP-8, VP-10 & VP-26 and VP-92)..." WebSite: Topgun Photography http://topgunphotography.net/basevisits/Nasb/index.htm [16MAR2007]
NAS Brunswick, Maine was constructed in March of 1943 and commissioned on April 15, 1943. The primary mission was training of the RCAF pilots. The first U.S. squadron to arrive at NAS Brunswick, Maine was VS-1D1, a scouting squadron. In October of 1946 the base was deactivated and turned over to Bowdoin College and the University of Maine . The Navy on March 15, 1951 raised the national ensign on the flag pole re-commissioning the dormant base back to a Naval Air Facility. They were to established a mission of supporting 3 land-plane patrol squadrons and one Fleet Aircraft Service Squadron.
The Navy requested $35 Million from Congress to transform this into a Master Jet base. Such a base required dual 8,000 foot runways. In 1951 Congress requested an additional 20 Million for additional barracks, officers quarters, and such to make it a permanent installation. The squadrons based at NAS Brunswick, Maine flew the P2V Neptune Patrol Bomber.
On July 1st, 1971, Commander Patrol Wings US Atlantic Fleet / Commander Patrol Wing Five established NAS Brunswick, Maine as their Headquarters. At present 3 Patrol squadrons (VP-10, VP-26 & VP-8) and 2 Reserve Squadrons (VP-92 & VPU-1) fly the P-3 Orion. A Fleet Support unit, VR-62 operates the C-130T out of NAS Brunswick, Maine.
I had the chance to visit NAS Brunswick, Maine and spend a few hours with VP-10, known as the Red Lancers. A little history of their patch, the insignia represents the mission of the Compass Rose as a backdrop. The Dipper and Polaris is superimposed to show how long overseas patrol is necessary for navigation. The lightning bolts represent the importance of sending and receiving radio information. The bomb in the middle of their unit patch represents their secondary mission as a VP Squadron.
The P-3 units deploy to the Mediterranean and throughout the Atlantic including successful deployments in Keflavik , Iceland , the Azores, Rota Spain , and many others. The P-3's main roll is land based, long range anti-submarine warfare (ASW). It has advanced submarine detection equipment such as sensors, directional frequency and sonar buoys. The P-3 can carry a variety of internal weapons on it pylons like the Harpoon anti-surface missile, MK-50 torpedo and the MK-60 Mine.
While walking the ramp with LTJG Christina Evans of the unit VP-10 & PAO Lt. Gomez, we were able to capture some shots of the ground crews working on a few aircraft. One had just finished some engine work and I was allowed to watch the engine run ups. There were multiple P-3s in the pattern flying touch and goes or landing and taxing back for another take off.
On our way back one of the crews were preparing to hang a dummy missile. I was allowed to take some pictures of how they hang this to the outside wing pylon. After this I went outside the base to capture some images of the P-3s in the pattern.
The BRAC recommendation is to close NAS Brunswick, Maine and move all the P-3s down to NAS Jacksonville FL. I appreciate the time LTJG Evans and Lt Gomez gave me during my visit. NAS Brunswick, Maine plans to host an Air Show featuring the Blue Angels this year.
Copyright © 2006-2007 Dave O'Brien - http://www.topgunphotography.net
VP-8 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
VP-10 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
VP-26 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
VP-92 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
Other Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fighting Tigers Photo Gallery - Command Summer Picnic at Thomas Point Beach - August 25, 2006..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/index.php?id=608&secid=17 [22SEP2006]
Left To Right:Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 Command Master Chief Jerry Holloman taunts a crowed of on-lookers while waiting to get dumped into a dunk tank during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little
060825-N-1714L-001
One of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8's littlest tigers relaxes after having his face decorated by Ensign Lyndsay Mayer during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach August 25th.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little.
060825-N-1714L-002
Aviation Electricians Mate First Class John Benson goes feet first after getting dumped into a dunk tank during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach August 25th.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little.
060825-N-1714L-004
Aviation Electricians Mate First Class, John Benson taunts the camera after getting dumped into a dunk tank during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach August 25th.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little.
060825-N-1714L-005
Members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 keep the fire stoked and the burgers, dogs, and chicken cooking during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach August 25th.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little.
060825-N-1714L-007
Ensign, Lyndsay Mayer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 paints designs on a junior tiger during VP-8’s Command Picnic held at Thomas Point Beach August 25th.
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Christopher Little.
060825-N-1714L-003
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fighting Tigers Photo Gallery - Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter - Visits VP-8's Hangar January 20, 2006..." WebSite: VP-8 http://www.vp8.navy.mil/index.php?id=608&secid=17 [22SEP2006]
Left To Right:Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter and Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) CDR Michael Napolitano exit a P-3C Orion aircraft. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-001
Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) CDR Michael Napolitano explains the capabilities of the P-3C Orion aircraft to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities. U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Shannon R. Smith.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-002
Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter and Commodore of Patrol Reconnaissance Wing Five Captain Mike Hewitt discuss matters on the flight line. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-004
Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) CDR Michael Napolitano explains the capabilities of the P-3C Orion aircraft to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities. U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Shannon R. Smith.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-003
Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter shakes hands with Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Philip Morrow from San Antonio, Texas of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8). Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-005
Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter shakes hands with Aviation Structural Mechanic Third Class Philip Morrow from San Antonio, Texas of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8). Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-006
Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter shakes hands with Aviation Ordnanceman First Class Clement Dickson of Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8). Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-007
Secretary of the Navy(SECNAV) Dr. Donald C.Winter receives a P-3C Orion Tail Plaque from Commodore of Patrol Reconnaissance Wing Five Captain Mike Hewitt and Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) Command Master Chief Jerry Holloman. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith.
060120-N-3122S-008
A BIT OF HISTORY:  060120-N-3122S-008 Brunswick, Maine (Jan. 20, 2006) "...Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a P-3C Orion Tail Plaque from Commodore of Patrol Reconnaissance Wing Five, Capt. Mike Hewitt and Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) Command Master Chief Jerry Holloman. Dr. Winter is in New England to tour Navy and industrial base facilities. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=31446 [04MAR2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  060120-N-2568S-045 Brunswick, Maine (Jan. 20, 2006) "...Commodore Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Five (VPU-5), Capt. Mike Hewitt, left, Commanding Officer Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), Cmdr. Mike Napolitano, discusses the various missions of a P-3 squadron with Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter during his visit to the northeast. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Craig P. Strawser (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=31417 [04MAR2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  060120-N-2568S-022 Brunswick, Maine (Jan. 20, 2006) "...Commanding Officer Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), Cmdr. Mike Napolitano, explains the various missions of a P-3 squadron to Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter during his visit to the northeast. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Journalist Craig P. Strawser (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=31416 [04MAR2006]
Circa 2005
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...President Smith presents the RADM A.C. Read Navigator of the Year Award to VP-8's LTjg Jim Cardosi - ANA - Wings OF Gold - Summer 2005 - Page 34..." WebSite: Association Of Naval Aviation http://www.anahq.org/about/index.htm [20OCT2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050415-N-3122S-003 Okinawa, Japan (April 15, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) download Sonobuoys from a P-3C Orion. Sonobuoys are "active" and "passive" search stores carried on the P-3C Orion. Active buoys are mini-sonars, which "ping" for submarines and transmit the information up to the aircraft. Passive buoys are underwater microphones (hydrophones) that passively listen to all sounds in the water. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23841 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050415-N-3122S-001 Okinawa, Japan (April 15, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) download Sonobuoys from a P-3C Orion. Sonobuoys are "active" and "passive" search stores carried on the P-3C Orion. Active buoys are mini-sonars, which "ping" for submarines and transmit the information up to the aircraft. Passive buoys are underwater microphones (hydrophones) that passively listen to all sounds in the water. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23840 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050415-N-3122S-014 Okinawa, Japan (April 15, 2005) "...Aviation Machinist Mates, assigned to the " Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), work together to lower an auxiliary power unit (APU) of a P-3C Orion during maintenance. The APU is a relatively small self-contained generator used to start the main engines with compressed air, and to provide electrical power and air-conditioning while on the ground. The APU can be operated in flight for electrical power use, when bleed air is not available. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23675 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050415-N-3122S-002 Okinawa, Japan (April 15, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Martin Hardwick, assigned to the "Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), aligns sonobuoy tubes prior to loading. Sonobuoys are search stores carried on the P-3C Orion and are loaded into the underside of the rear fuselage of the aircraft. More are carried internally and can be launched out of three pressurized chutes or the free fall chute. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23674 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050329-N-3122S-010 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 29, 2005) "...Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Duncan Woodbury prepares to cover the engine intakes on a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23117 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050325-N-3122S-003 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 25, 2005) "...Lt.j.g. Matt Delgado, left, gives a tour of a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), to Yuma Tanaka and his family during a flight-line tour at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The special tour was arranged for Tanaka, who receives treatment for muscular dystrophy by the Make-A-Wish Foundation Japan, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23090 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050325-N-3122S-002 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 25, 2005) "...Lt.j.g. Matt Delgado, left, gives a tour of a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), to Yuma Tanaka and his family during a flight-line tour at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The special tour was arranged for Tanaka, who receives treatment for muscular dystrophy by the Make-A-Wish Foundation Japan, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=23089 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-011 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Joseph Pfelisticker and Airman Llyod Lewis clean bomb racks on a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) in Okinawa, Japan. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22654 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-010 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnancemen download an inert CATM-84K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) training missile from a weapons pylon on a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) in Okinawa, Japan. The AGM-84K SLAM-ER is an air-launched, day/night, adverse weather, over-the-horizon, precision strike missile. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22653 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-008 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnancemen download an AN/AWW-13 Advanced Data Link pod from a weapons pylon on a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) in Okinawa, Japan. The AN/AWW-13 Advanced Data Link allows the operator to select an aim point for weapon impact, and provides the only currently available link between munition seekers and humans. This link generally requires electro-optical/infrared acquisition in clear weather. The pod is typically used by the Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) missile. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22652 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-005 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...A P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), taxis through a wash rack upon returning from a mission in Okinawa, Japan. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22651 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-003 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...Aviation Structural Mechanic Equipment 2nd Class Lucus Green services the emergency walk-around oxygen bottles from a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), in Okinawa, Japan. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22650 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050311-N-3122S-001 Okinawa, Japan (Mar. 11, 2005) "...Airman Lawrence Than salutes a P-3C Orion, assigned to the “Tigers” to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), prior to take-off in Okinawa, Japan. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy Newsstand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22649 [13JUL2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 and VP-4 Help In Tsunami Relief - By LT Abess and LT Nichols - This is a follow-on account to Naval Aviation operations in the wake of the tsunami tragedy. Two articles in the last issue of Wings of Gold focused on USS Abraham Lincoln relief activities. The following highlights Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance achievements - Wings of Gold - Spring 2005 - Page 70 and 71 - Association of Naval Aviation http://www.anahq.org/about/index.htm..." [10JUN2005] A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 Assists in Rescuing Four Philippine Fishermen - Story Number: NNS050415-02 - Release Date: 4/15/2005 11:47:00 AM - From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs..." WebSite: Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17933 [16APR2005]
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- P-3 Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 played a critical role in the rescue April 10 of four Philippine fishermen whose vessel had been adrift in the South China Sea.
The fishing vessel Maria Emelyn II had been adrift since March 21. The U.S. Navy offered search-and-rescue assistance after repeated attempts by the Republic of the Philippines navy and coast guard to locate the fishermen were unsuccessful.
Missions were flown from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. The squadron also established a detachment in Subic Bay, Philippines. The detachment was able to increase the number of hours spent in the search-and-rescue operation.
VP-8 began search operations April 6, and located the stranded vessel April 9, 60 nautical miles north-northeast of the outer limit of the Spratly Islands.
VP-8 and the Philippine navy's newest ship, the high-speed BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS 38), helped direct the fishermen to safety. Alvarez is an ex-Cyclone-class vessel provided to the Philippines in April 2004 under the Excess Defense Articles Program.
Cmdr. Gerry Benavente, 7th Fleet air operations officer, said the operation was a team effort.
“The rescue was a great effort to save the four fishermen, who had already run out of food and water," said Benavente. "Both the air and ground crew of VP-8 put in a tremendous amount of work."
This rescue was particularly profound, Benavente pointed out, as both navies had recently completed a similar scenario.
“The cooperation was outstanding. Just a few weeks ago, a Philippine ship exercised control of our P-3 and a Republic of Philippines navy Islander patrol aircraft in order to practice our cooperative rescue efforts,” said Benavente. “The combined rescue of these fishermen is another real-world example of the importance of the United States and Philippines training together.”
VP-8, based at NAS Brunswick, Maine, is on a routine six-month deployment to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050217-N-3122S-004 Okinawa, Japan (Feb. 17, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Llyod Lewis finishes loading a MK-65 Quickstrike mine on a P-3C Orion, belonging to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22016 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050217-N-3122S-003 Okinawa, Japan (Feb. 17, 2005) "...Lt. Cmdr. Alan Marblestone checks a MK-65 Quickstrike mine, during an aircraft preflight on a P-3C Orion belonging to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). The MK-65 Quickstrike mine is a shallow-water, aircraft-laid mine used primarily against surface ships. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22015 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050217-N-3122S-002 Okinawa, Japan (Feb. 17, 2005) "...Sailors assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), tow one of the squadron’s P-3C Orion aircraft. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. Originally designed as a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft, the P-3C's mission has evolved in the late 1990s and early 21st century to include surveillance of the battle-space, either at sea or over land. Its long range and long loiter time have proved invaluable assets during Operation Iraqi Freedom as it can view the battle-space and instantaneously provide that information to ground troops, especially U.S. Marines. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=22014 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050109-N-3122S-001 Utapao, Thailand (Jan. 9, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Terry DeLoof stands by as he prepares to recover a P-3C Orion, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), in Utapao, Thailand. VP-8 is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment to Japan. Four air crews are detached to Thailand in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian relief effort to aid the victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=21918 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050108-N-3122S-001 Utapao, Thailand (Jan. 8, 2005) "...A P-3C Orion, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), taxis at an airfield in Utapao, Thailand. VP-8 is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment to Japan. Four air crews are detached to Thailand in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian relief effort to aid the victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=21917 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  041231-N-3122S-001 Utapao, Thailand (Dec. 31, 2004) "...Aviation Warfare Systems Operators monitor the acoustic station during the flight of a P-3C Orion, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). VP-8 is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment to Japan. Four air crews are detached to Thailand in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the humanitarian relief effort to aid the victims of the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=21916 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  050215-N-3122S-001 Okinawa, Japan (Feb. 15, 2005) "...Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Joseph Pfelifticker mans a fire hose as he sprays-down the starboard side of a P-3C Orion, assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8), during an aircraft wash in the hangar bay. Aircraft washes are conducted every 28 days as part of preventive maintenance and a corrosion control schedule. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently on deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=21893 [01MAR2005]
Circa 2004 - 2005
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Deployment Patch "...WESTPAC 04-05 - NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and NAF Misawa, Japan in support of Operation Unified Assistance..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [31JAN2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Deployment Patch "...WESTPAC 04-05 - NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and NAF Misawa, Japan in support of Operation Unified Assistance..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [31JAN2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Deployment Patch "...WESTPAC 04-05 - NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan and NAF Misawa, Japan in support of Operation Unified Assistance..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [31JAN2006]
Circa 2004
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Seventh Fleet units help in tsunami relief operations - U.S. Seventh Fleet public affairs..." WebSite: Skywriter https://www.atsugi.navy.mil/skywriter/2005/7Jan05/page2.html [02MAR2006]
As directed by U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander U.S. Seventh Fleet is providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the governments of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and other affected nations to mitigate the effects of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis.
The ships of the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group, and the ships of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, will be diverted to the affected areas to conduct humanitarian relief operations.
As well, P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft from VP-8 and elements of VP-4, based at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan have been deployed in support of search and rescue operations in the area, operating out of U-Tapao, Thailand.
The P-3’s long range and long loiter time capability is an invaluable asset for search and rescue operations as it can view a large area and rapidly provide that information to regional Rescue Coordination Centers. While not able to physically rescue a survivor from the water, the P-3’s communications suite and abilities to stay on station, survey for long periods of time, and deploy life rafts in the vicinity of any survivors make it an important component of any search and rescue operation.
Seventh Fleet is prepared to provide an assortment of assets, including ships, aircraft and personnel, to respond as required by higher authority. The U.S. Navy is well equipped and trained for these situations. Because of that, when called upon, units have the capabilities to deliver assistance to areas of the world that need it.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Survey Operations "...An EP-3C Orion surveillance plane assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron 8, NAS Brunswick, Maine, deployed to U-Tapao Royal Thailand Air Force Base, Thailand, for survey operations Dec. 29, 2004. It was in support of disaster relief after a tsunami hit coastal regions throughout Southeast Asia. U.S. Navy photo..." WebSite: U. S. Department of State http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/b/eap/40096.htm [24DEC2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  040204-N-3122S-002 Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz. (Feb.4, 2004) "...Aviation Machinist Mate 1st Class Frederick Berger signs a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion, aircraft number 321, assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). Petty Officer Berger and fellow aircrew made the flight to Tucson, Ariz., to induct the aircraft into the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center (AMARC) located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. AMARC is responsible for the storage and maintaining of aircraft for future redeployment, parts, or proper disposal following retirement by the military. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=11983 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  041229-N-3122S-004 Okinawa, Japan (Dec. 29, 2004) "...P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) sits on the flight line at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan prior to a mission. VP-8 is currently on a six-month deployment to Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon. R. Smith (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=20319 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  041229-N-3122S-002 Okinawa, Japan (Dec. 29, 2004) "...P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) sits on the flight line at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan prior to a mission. VP-8 is currently on a six-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Shannon. R. Smith (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=20318 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  041229-N-0000X-001 Utapao, Thailand (Dec. 29, 2004) "...A P-3C Orion assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) sits on the flight line at Utapao Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. VP-8 deployed to Utapao to conduct humanitarian support and aerial surveys as part of larger disaster relief efforts for coastal regions throughout Southeast Asia, following a massive Tsunami event Dec. 26. VP-8 is homeported at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED) ..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=19832 [01MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...7th Fleet Units Help in Relief Operations in Southeast Asia - Story Number: NNS041230-01 - Release Date: 12/30/2004 9:08:00 AM..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=16449 [31DEC2004]
7th Fleet Units Help in Relief Operations in Southeast Asia
Story Number: NNS041230-01
Release Date: 12/30/2004 9:08:00 AM
From Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- As directed by U.S. Pacific Command, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet is preparing to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the governments of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and other affected nations to mitigate the effects of the recent earthquakes and tsunamis.
According to Lt. Gilbert Gay, 7th Fleet Task Force 72 (CTF 72) public affairs officer, six P-3C Orion surveillance aircraft from Patrol Squadron VP-8 and elements of VP-4, based at NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan, have been deployed to take part in a survey operation in the area, operating out of Utapao, Thailand. Approximately 110 personnel are involved in the operation.
“The P-3’s long range and long loiter time capability is an invaluable asset for search and rescue operations as it can view a large area and rapidly provide that information to regional Rescue Coordination Centers,” said Gay. “While not able to physically rescue a survivor from the water, the P-3’s communications suite and abilities to stay on station, survey for long periods of time and deploy life rafts in the vicinity of any survivors make it an important component of any search and rescue operation.”
Humanitarian assistance assessment teams from U.S. Pacific Command are expected to be deployed to identify requirements for temporary military-specific support that can be provided to the governments affected by this disaster.
The U.S. Navy is well equipped and trained for these situations. Because of that, when called upon, units have the capabilities to deliver assistance to areas of the world that need it.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Valhalla for 'Val' After Years of NASKEF Service..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=11706 [02APR2004]
Valhalla for 'Val' After Years of NASKEF Service
Story Number: NNS040302-02
Release Date: 3/2/2004 9:30:00 AM
From Naval Air Station Keflavik Air Ops Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION KEFLAVÍK, Iceland (NNS) -- For nearly 19 years, NAS Keflavik, Iceland’s (NASKEF) UP-3A aircraft, Valkyrja, affectionately known as Val, served NASKEF’s personnel. Jan. 26, Val was retired and flown to Davis-Mothan Air Force Base, where she was inducted into the aircraft “boneyard.”
"The loss of Val not only marks the end of an era of NAS Keflavik, Iceland having a base aircraft, but more importantly, has impacted the base's ability to get personnel to professional conferences, symposiums and training seminars,” said Lt. Cmdr. Joe Dickinson, NASKEF’s air operations officer.
Her moniker, Valkyrja, is drawn from the Norse name for the “female chooser of the slain." The helmeted battle maidens would fly on supernatural horses over battlefields, determining the course and victors of war. The Valkyries' primary duty was to choose the bravest of the warriors slain on the battlefield, gathering their souls to escort them to Valhalla.
She was delivered to the Navy Aug. 29, 1962, making her much older than many of the personnel who currently fly and maintain her. During her faithful years of service in NAS Keflavik, Iceland, she has carried more than 22,000 personnel to more than 15 countries, while accumulating just over 10,000 mishap-free flight hours, including 5,675 landings. In total, Val has accumulated 20,108 mishap-free flight hours and flown more than 7 million miles--the equivalent of two years, three months, and 18 days in the air, 282 trips around the equator, or 14 trips to and from the moon. Prior to being stationed in NAS Keflavik, Iceland, she was assigned to VP-30, VP-8, VXN-8, VP-94, and Naval Aerological Support Center, Miami.
The 34 personnel in the Operations Maintenance Division, under the leadership of Lt. Mike Hersey, were responsible for the upkeep and “TLC” of the Navy’s best-kept UP-3A, and they maintained an astonishing 89 percent "mission capable" rate. Although stationed in NAS Keflavik, Iceland, Val aircrews provided time-critical logistical support to Commander, Task Force 67 during Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and numerous task force exercises. Over a three-month period, Val flew 25 logistics missions in direct support of OEF/OIF and exercises Booming, Blue Game and Baltops. NAS Keflavik, Iceland aircrews flew more than 150 hours across six different countries, providing time-critical, intra-theater wartime transport throughout the Mediterranean and European areas of responsibility for more than 500 duty personnel and 50,000 lbs. of cargo.
“In addition to providing base support to professional functions throughout Europe and CONUS, Val provided a huge quality of life boost to the base service members and dependents as a space-available transportation opportunity," said Dickinson.
Val’s last local flight was completed Jan. 22 with Capt. Mark Laughton, commanding officer of NAS Keflavik, Iceland, and Dickinson at the controls. The pilots, air crew and maintenance personnel will deeply miss Val, as will all who enjoyed the benefits of having a station aircraft.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Patch Contributed by Tom Grannis grannis1@earthlink.net [10NOV2003]
Circa 2003
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Iraq Mission Over - 'Flying Tigers' Heading Home - By Kendra Helmer, Stars and Stripes - European edition, Tuesday, August 5, 2003..." WebSite: Stars and Stips http://www.stripes.com/ [15SEP2008]
SIGONELLA, Sicily — Patrol Squadron Eight is wrapping up an eventful six-month deployment to Sigonella.
For the first time, the squadron’s P-3 Orion turboprop aircraft came under fire while surveying enemy troop movements in Iraq.
Sailors flew operations over the Balkans, did surveillance operations near Liberia and searched for potential terrorist camps in countries in the eastern Mediterranean. At one time, the squadron had planes in five different countries, said VP-8’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Robert Dishman.
Six stateside Orion squadrons rotate six-month deployments to Sigonella.
“We feel pretty lucky to have been the squadron in place when this [war] happened,” said Lt. Cmdr. Art Gibb, 36, VP-8 operations officer.
Over the next week, the VP-8 “Fighting Tigers” are returning to Brunswick, Maine, and turning over operations at Sigonella to the VP45 “Pelicans” from Jacksonville, Fla.
During some of the 100 surveillance missions VP-8 flew over Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, their 116-foot long aircraft came under anti-aircraft fire, a first for the squadron whose primary mission is anti-submarine warfare.
“I think it gave everybody involved kind of an eye-opening perspective in the importance of what we do,” said Gibb, from Annapolis, Md.
Crews put in long hours during the war. A crew’s maximum airtime is 180 hours a month, said Lt. j.g. Christian Parilla, 25, public affairs officer from Fairfax, Va.
“We were just shy of that,” he said. “With such old planes, we’re very lucky our planes held up. Our maintainers did an awesome job.”
Squadron members said that while the many deployments kept them busy, they were looking forward to returning home.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Dustin Parrish, 22, an aviation mechanic from Lockhart, Texas, couldn’t wait to see how much his 4-year-old daughter had grown since February.
“Last I heard she could reach the light switch,” he said with a smile on his face.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...I'm Pretty Sure He Saw Them - by Lt. Jim Adams - Approach, July 2003..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/jul03/PrettySure.htm [27JUN2006]
We have been learning the seven skills of crew-resource management for years. It is a basic, some say common-sense, philosophy we use to make sure a mission is accomplished safely and effectively. Failure to use CRM can result in mission failure, loss of life, or just making yourself and your crew look unprofessional. Fortunately, my crew suffered only the latter.
After spending three days on detachment, my crew was preflighting for our return to home plate. The junior of our two flight engineers (FEs) conducted an exterior inspection of our P-3C. As patrol-plane commander (PPC), I also did an exterior inspection. During my inspection, I saw the landing-gear pins still were installed-not unusual, since many FEs leave the pins installed until just before the planeside brief.
We were late starting engines because cargo we were taking back to home plate was delayed. We also were held up because of a fuel spill from an adjacent aircraft. In an effort to expedite our departure, I held the planeside brief while we waited for the cargo. At the brief, I normally make sure the gear pins are inside the aircraft and not in the landing gear. Since we still had time to wait, I did not direct the FE to remove the pins, figuring we would take care of it when we were ready to go.
After a delay of an hour and a half, the cargo arrived, and the emergency vehicles for the fuel spill departed. We made sure everyone was aboard, and we strapped in. The copilot read the before-start checklist, beginning with the first item, "gear pins."
This checklist item requires a response from the FE and the copilot of "removed," indicating each person has verified the gear pins are inside the plane, not in the landing gear. The senior FE and the copilot each responded with "removed."
As it turns out, neither visually had checked the gear pins. Each one thought the other had seen them, when, the truth is, neither had. I also neglected to visually check the pins, assuming the FE and the CP had done so-they responded to the checklist.
We took off and realized the landing gear would not come up-the pins still were installed. We landed right away, pulled the pins, and took off again, minus a big chunk of pride.
CRM, used correctly, is supposed to keep us from making such mistakes. Here's what should have happened:
Assertiveness. Both the copilot and the FE had their doubts about where the pins were, but no one spoke up. Neither did I mention I had not seen them.
Communication. We had a big lack of communication, not only with the copilot and FE but also with the PPC and junior FE. Any one of us could have broken the chain by voicing the concern we each had been whispering in our heads.
Leadership. This one hits me straight to the bone. As PPC and mission commander, it is my job to make sure the crew, myself included, properly performs their duties. Overall responsibility for the aircraft and the mission lies solely with me. I failed miserably as the leader.
Situational Awareness. I think it's obvious: We lost ours.
There are other situations where a lack of CRM could have had more severe consequences. The combined P-3 flight time among our flight-station crew was nearly 9,000 hours; yet, we failed to execute a basic aircrew function.
On every mission:
. Keep up your guard.
. Use CRM.
. Remember the basics; they never change, no matter how long you fly.
Lt. Adams flies with VP-8.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Fighting Tigers Return From Deployment - Year of Success Story: 2003 - Date of Submission: 3/26/2004 - Functional Area(s): Air Operations - Region: Navy Region Northeast - Success Story: On July 29, 2003, the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) began their return from deployment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily..." http://www.cni.navy.mil/successDetail.aspx%3FID%3D37+%22operation+iraqi+freedom%22+%22vp-8%22&hl=en [19NOV2005]
Six months ago, VP-8 left NASB amid rising tensions in Iraq. Now they are returning with a deep sense of pride and satisfaction for their direct support of Operation "Iraqi Freedom" and several other operations.
The "Fighting Tigers" experienced a challenging and rewarding wartime deployment. The extraordinary planning, training and execution by aircrews and maintenance personnel enabled the safe completion of more than 700 missions and 7,500 flight hours. VP-8 flew more than 260 missions and 2,700 hours in support of Operation "Iraqi Freedom."
VP-8 also supported the Global War on Terrorism through Operation "Enduring Freedom." In addition, the "Fighting Tigers" flew overland missions in Bosnia and Kosovo where they continued the NATO stabilization effort by enforcing the 1995 Dayton Peace Accords.
After arriving in Sigonella, the squadron was immediately spread from one corner of the Mediterranean to the other. From escorting a Carrier Battle Group steaming toward Iraq through the Strait of Gibraltar (STROG), to overland surveillance in Bosnia and Kosovo, to conducting surveillance flights in the eastern Mediterranean, the squadron was tested operationally.
As U.S. naval units steamed to the eastern Mediterranean and Middle East, the "Fighting Tigers" sent most of their crews to Souda Bay, Crete, to be staged closer to the operations area. At the onset of the war, crews were already providing around-the-clock P-3 support for two Carrier Battle Groups in the Mediterranean. VP-10, VP-26 and VP-45 surged aircraft and aircrews from their stateside bases to augment VP-8's presence, demonstrating the "One Team, One Fight" mantra of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force. In all, the augmenting VP-squadrons flew more than 1,100 hours in support of VP-8 and Operation "Iraqi Freedom." As the war surged on through late April, VP-8 crews were averaging nearly 180 flight hours per month.
Though numerous crews augmented VP-8, "Fighting Tiger" maintenance personnel solely supported all operations from Sigonella and Souda Bay, a monumental task, superbly. The "Fighting Tigers" performed at this high level without sacrificing safety standards and continued to log mishap free flight hours¾over 153,000.
VP-8 boasted a well-above average advancement rate of 27 percent for the March advancement exam cycle. The hard work of the command to retain its Sailors resulted in an 83 percent retention rate. For this effort, the squadron received its fourth consecutive Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMLANTFLT) Retention Excellence Award.
The "Fighting Tigers" maintained their primary skill in Anti-Submarine Warfare and other war-fighting capabilities through numerous NATO exercises, including Hurd Bank, Dogfish, Baltic Sea Operations, Mare Aperto and the National Training Continuum. At one point in June, VP-8 operated simultaneously from five countries, Italy, Greece, Germany, Spain and Senegal.
On July 4, members of VP-8 were honored to represent the U.S. in southern France. The citizens of France invited VP-8 to participate in their annual ceremonies and festivities that commemorated the long history of French-American relations and the ultimate sacrifice of a World War II U.S. B-24 "Liberator" crew.
In mid July, VP-8 began preparations for their long awaited return home. Rear Adm. Michael Holmes, Commander Task Force 67, met with the "Fighting Tigers on July 25th in Sigonella to present awards to many of the squadron's Sailors for a job well done.
Successful and proven in their wartime deployment, the "Fighting Tigers" are glad to return to NASB and look forward to spending time with family and friends.
"I feel great," said PN1 Randy Mitchell. "It was a long deployment, but I am very glad to be back."
"The Fighting Tigers are proud to have served our country during this critical period in our nation's history," said Cmdr. Bob Dishman, Commanding Officer of VP-8. "We could not have been as successful without the tremendous support of the entire Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force, from surging additional crews, to logistics and parts support, the teamwork was phenomenal. As we return home, we could not be more appreciative of the support we received from our families and the entire Brunswick community."
Source: Lt. j.g. Christian Parilla, VP-8 Public Affairs Officer
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030526-N-3122S-005 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (May 26, 2003) "...A P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) flies over Mt. Etna. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella providing logistical support for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7695 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030526-N-3122S-019 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (May 26, 2003) "...A P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) flies along the coastline of Taormina, Sicily. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella providing logistical support for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7697 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030526-N-3122S-014 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily (May 26, 2003) "...A P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to the "Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) flies along the coastline of Taormina, Sicily. VP-8 is home-based in Brunswick, Maine, and is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella providing logistical support for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7712 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030506-N-5821W-002 Naval Air Station (NAS), Sigonella, Sicily (May 6, 2003) "...Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Kraig Vavruska explains the Sensor 3 Station to Gary Claudio, manager of General Motors Racing, aboard a P-3 “Orion” aircraft assigned to the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). Claudio joined the 2002/2003 GTS Champion Corvette Racing Team to visit NAS Sigonella as part of their 2003 U.S. Navy Tour. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Stephen P. Weaver. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7430 [06MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030504-N-3122S-001 Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (May 3, 2003) "...Airman Yesenia Mora performs maintenance on the number four prop of a P-3 Orion aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7987 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030503-N-3122S-002 Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (May 3, 2003) "...Ordnanceman Airman Martin Hardwick removes ordinance pins from a P-3 Orion aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=7988 [05MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030418-N-5821W-003 Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily (Apr. 18, 2003) "...Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Timothy Harris assigned to the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) uses a metal forming machine to repair a bell mount from a P-3C “Orion” aircraft assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS), Sigonella. Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella provides logistical support for Sixth Fleet and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Stephen P. Weaver. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6904 [06MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030408-N-7375S-009 Sigonella, Sicily (Apr. 8, 2003) "...Pilots and ground crew from Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) work together to launch a P-3 Orion aircraft on another mission. VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander Sixth Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces through out the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Jeremy Siegrist. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6775 [06MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030408-N-7375S-001 Sigonella, Sicily (Apr. 8, 2003)
"...Petty Officer 2nd Class Jose Perez from Miami, Fla., checks for lose propellor blades on one of a P-3 Orion aircraft assigned to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8). VP-8 is currently deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander Sixth Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces through out the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Jeremy Siegrist. (RELEASED)..." Navy WebSite: http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=6773 [28FEB2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030327-N-8807Z-004 Naval Air Station, Sicily (Mar. 27, 2003) "...Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Richard Brown from Jersey City, N. J., Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Alfredo Cosme from Jackson Heights, N.Y., Airman Yesenia Mora from Los Angeles, Calif., and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Josh Coker from Pelzer, S.C., all members of the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) assist in the upload of a AGM-65 Maverick air to surface guided missile onto the wing of a P-3C Orion aircraft during a training exercise at NAS Sigonella. VP-8 is homeported out of Brunswick, Maine and is currently on deployment to the Mediterranean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman M.L. Zambrana. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=6745 [06MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030326-N-3122S-001 Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (Mar. 26, 2003) "...A P-3C Orion Aircraft from the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) makes its final approach to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. VP-8 provides anti-submarine warfare for forces in the Mediterranean Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5847 [07MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030314-N-0780F-017 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Mar. 14, 2003) "...Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) Lineman, Airman Timothy Aulman directs a "Fighting Tiger" P-3C Orion aircraft after its return from a mission. VP-8, home ported at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine, is currently deployed to the Mediterranean theater with detachments at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. The P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors and can carry a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5186 [07MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030314-N-0780F-050 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Mar. 14, 2003) "...Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) aircrew members walk to their P-3C Orion aircraft to prepare for their next mission. VP-8, home ported at NAS Brunswick, Maine, is currently deployed to the Mediterranean theater with detachments at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. The P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors and can carry a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5187 [07MAR2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  030314-N-0780F-056 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Mar. 14, 2003) "...Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) Combat Air Crew (CAC) 2 members walk away from their "Fighting Tiger" P-3C Orion aircraft after returning from a mission. VP-8, home ported at NAS Brunswick, Maine, is currently deployed to the Mediterranean theater with detachments at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. The P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft. It has advanced submarine detection sensors and can carry a mixed payload of weapons internally and on wing pylons. U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=5188 [07MAR2005]
Circa 2002 - 2003
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Deployment Patch "...OIF patch from previous deployment 02-03 IRAQ..." Contributed by LT Donald W. Hartsell donald.hartsell@navy.mil [31JAN2006]
Circa 2002
A BIT OF HISTORY:  020919-N-3122S-003 Brunswick, Me. (Sep. 19, 2002) "...A P-3C “Orion” attached to the “Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) heads to a bombing exercise loaded with MK-20 “Rockeye” cluster bombs. MK-20 cluster bombs deliver 247 bomblets, which, upon detonation, release a jet of super heated and pressurized gas, which can penetrate 10 inches of steel and 31 inches of reinforced concrete. The P-3C is a land-based, long-range, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) patrol aircraft. The weapon’s dispersion area is roughly the size of a football field. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Shannon Smith. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=2861 [09MAR2005]
Circa 2001
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Preflight Not Unplugged - by Lt. Matt Corey - Mech Jul-Sep 2001..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/mar03/Uneventful.htm [28JUN2006]
Sometimes in this complicated world of naval aviation the small things we take for granted sneak up and surprise us.
We had just begun a six-month deployment, and I had been called to do a high-power turn on one of our aircraft. The evolution was a man-on-the-stand turn, in which you closely examine the engine while the engine is turning. The engine isn't the big deal; rather, it's the propeller spinning at over 1,000 rpm only a few feet away from your shipmate's head.
Although I had done man-on-the-stand runs before, I never had done one at night. The mechs and turn crew briefed, which is required in our squadron SOP. Both the flight engineer and I spent considerable time making sure the maintenance stands were positioned and chained down, and we knew exactly what the mechs would be doing. We reviewed the lineman's signals and made sure the two light carts would provide enough light to do the turn. I had used operational risk management (ORM) to prepare for the turn (proper lighting, communications, environmental factors, and possible emergencies), and I felt sure this would be a safe event.
As we began to turn the No. 2 engine, one of the outside observers signaled immediately for us to secure the engine. As we shut it down, my flight engineer and I began to wonder what could have gone wrong.
The outside observer told us the fifth and 10th stage bleed-air plugs were still installed. I made my way back to the port overwing window, looked out, and sure enough, they still were installed.
During preflight, when I had looked out the same window, I had been more concerned with the position of the maintenance stands, or assumed my aft observer also would be looking for the items I normally check during my preflight. We removed the plugs and completed the turn with no hitches.
I was frustrated, though, having made such a stupid and simple mistake. Later, as I thought about the whole evolution, I realized I had made a few basic mistakes and learned some important lessons that night:
First, don't treat your ground-turn preflight differently than a normal preflight. I got "scope-locked" into making sure everything about the man-on-the-stand turn was set up properly. Had I concentrated on doing a standard preflight and taken some extra time to check the equipment, I would have noticed the plugs.
Second, pay attention to the details, especially at night. Think about some of the small things you do during the day that may not jump out at you at night. I think if this turn had happened in daylight, one of the crew would have caught the plugs. During a preflight in the dark, which we do often during our deployments, you need to take a closer look at those parts of the aircraft more difficult to see (e.g., static wicks or hydraulic, oil, and fuel leaks).
Third, you need to fess up when you make a mistake. Like the adage says, "Experience is learning from your mistakes; wisdom is learning from those of others." I'm a bit more experienced now.
It was frustrating to make this mistake, and I'm relieved it wasn't serious, but it reinforces the need to understand and practice ORM. If we had used it more effectively, this turn would have gone off without a hitch. The last thing I expected to go wrong was a normal preflight item.
Lt. Matt Corey wrote this article when he was the ground-safety officer with VP-8.
Circa 2000
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Dogfish 2000 "...Lt.J.G. Pete Hakewessell of US NAvy Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) "Fighting Tigers" tracks a Spanish submarine off the coast of Sicily as part of Dogfish 2000, the largest NATO antisubmarine exercise. (NATO/USN photo by Airman John Looney)..." Allied Forces Southern Europe http://www.afsouth.nato.int/images/Dogfishimages.htm [21MAR2005]
Circa 1996
A BIT OF HISTORY:  International Maritime Patrol Symposium, 22-26 July 1996: "Presentation of the Symposium Cup was made by Captain James A. Carman, Commander Patrol Wing TEN to the winner of the ASW Tactical Competition, Patrol Squadron EIGHT. Seen in this photo L-R: Cdr Michael Fralen, CO VP8, Captain James A. Carman, Commander PATWING 10, and LCdr George Rothweiler, Mission Commander VP8..." Official Navy Photograph
Circa 1997
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The following was submitted to the local papers in and around Brunswick, Maine, and to various Navy publications by PATROL SQUADRON EIGHT..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!![14MAR98]Patrol Squadron EIGHT's outstanding performance over the past year earned the 1997 Commander Naval Air Force, Atlantic Battle Efficiency Award. From an aggressive Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC) to a highly successful deployment to Sigonella, Sicily, the FIGHTING TIGERS excelled in all arenas, making them the top VP squadron on the East Coast.
The Battle "E" honors the squadron that demonstrates superior efficiency in the various aspects of Maritime Patrol Aviation. These areas include Surveillance, Undersea Warfare, Surface Warfare, Battle Group Interoperability, weapons proficiency, detachment operations, readiness, training, logistics and support, and safety.
The FIGHTING TIGERS began their 1997 quest by completing a challenging home cycle. Operational Readiness Exams, Mining Readiness, aircrew qualifications, and Fleet NATOPS evaluations tested the squadron's preparation for their upcoming Mediterranean deployment. VP-8 aircrews seized the opportunity, quickly qualifying electro-optic reconnaissance operators for Operations DELIBERATE GUARD and SILVER WAKE.
VP-8's Med deployment spanned 34 exercises, involving detachments to 13 different countries. Over Bosnia-Herzegovina, the squadron was the unit of choice for crisis response and contingency operations, flying over 100 sorties totaling more than 800 hours of Operation DELIBERATE GUARD support. Aircrews imaged over 1,000 targets at an unprecedented 100% sortie completion rate. Operation SILVER WAKE demonstrated the squadron's operational flexibility. Over 40 missions totaling more than 300 hours were flown, providing real-time video imagery for Joint Task Force Commanders during Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations in Albania. FIGHTING TIGERS displayed their Undersea Warfare (USW) prowess by logging simulated attacks on over 70 submarines from over 13 different countries. On the cutting edge of USW, aircrews expanded Mediterranean Extended Echo Ranging employment, developing, validating, and refining new tactics. Flying over 1,000 hours of dedicated Coordinated Operations, VP-8 aggressively supported SIXTH Fleet tasking and Battle Group operations, providing E surveillance, Over-The-Horizon Targeting, and Search, Surveillance, and Control (SSC). FIGHTING TIGER Sailors worked closely with Allied partners, provided mining and torpedo training to the Dutch and Greek Navies.
In August, 1997, VP-8 returned home to relax and spend time with family. However, the squadron's dedication to excellence did not waver. Aircrews began IDTC in preparation for a tri-site deployment while supporting USS JOHN C. STENNIS COMPTUEX and UNITAS 38-97. By year's end, the squadron already had 7 qualified aircrews, well ahead of COMPATWING FIVE goals.
All of this operational and training success could not exist without exemplary maintenance, administrative,and command service teams to support it. FIGHTING TIGER maintenance excelled throughout this past year by providing mission capable aircraft for every sortie on deployment and meeting all operational and training commitments at home. VP-8 Administration logged their second consecutive year as the best Admin Department in the Wing, while the squadron Command Services kept the Sailors fed and provided a professional-looking work environment. Through an aggressive safety program and Operational Risk Management (ORM), VP-8 extended its safety record to a milestone of 120,000 hours and 19 mishap-free years.
With over 98% sortie completion rate for over 4,000 deployed flight hours,the FIGHTING TIGERS of VP-8 worked long and hard to earn the honor ofwearing the Battle "E." Each member takes pride in this teamaccomplishment and is committed to continued success.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "15MAY97--Headline: Sigonella Squadron in Exercise Dogu Akdeniz 97 by LTJG Mike Burke, VP-8...SIGONELLA, Sicily - (NENS) -- The Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) "Tigers" launched Combat Air Crews Five, Six, Twelve and a maintenance team to Dalaman, Turkey last month for Exercise Dogu Akdeniz 97. The exercise provided an excellent multi-lateral environment with U.S., Italian, Spanish, French and Turkish naval units operating in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Other U.S. participants included USS Hayler (DD 997), USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Atlanta (SSN 712). Tiger aircrews displayed proficiency in undersea and surface warfare in support of two opposing task groups composed of international naval units. The aircrews provided the task groups with over-the-horizon targeting, conducted simulated AGM-84 Harpoon strikes against the opposing forces, and launched numerous simulated MK-46 torpedo attacks on participating subsurface units. The embarkation of Turkish officers on all flights created a bilateral exchange forum for Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) knowledge and procedures..." NavEur News (17-97) May 15, 1997 Posted by JO2 Charles Achord cne019c@post.nctsl.navy.mil
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUN97--Because the defense budget is being cut more and more since the end of the Cold War, Maritime Patrol Aviation was felt more than its fair share of these cuts. In 1989 there were 24 VP squadrons in the Navy. As of June, 1997 that number stands at 12. VP-8 was rumored to be Disestablished in 1996, but it turned out that the squadron was spared and is still going strong. The squadron's long time name of being called the "TIGERS" has also been updated to 'THE FIGHTING TIGERS". Since surviving the swing of the budget ax the squadron sent an aircraft to Puerto Rico and fired the first fleet online Harpoon missile from the P-3C. This missile is the Navy's premier long range anti-ship missile. Shortly after that, the squadron was awarded the Isabell Trophy for USW (undersea warfare) excellence, a very impressive achievement and awarded annually. July, 1996 the squadron sent a crew to Whidbey Island, Washington, site of the 1996 MPA (Maritime Patrol Aviation) symposium. The week long annual even featured MPA from around the world, with aircraft and aircrews participating in a USW competition. VP-8 took home the coveted first place trophy, capturing it from France, the defending champions. February, 1997 the squadron deployed to Sigonella, Sicily for another six month deployment. The main focus was to support NATO forces in Bosnia-Herzigovinia; however they still participated in many detachments and exercises around the region and in Europe. Some crews have been sent as far away as South Africa. Recently, VP-8 was featured in the March 31, 1997 edition of Aviation Week and Space Technology. The article highlights the future of the P-3 and where VP-8 is going in the future..." Thanks to Lt. Darayl Pridham, Pilot and Public Affairs Officer, PATRON EIGHT for this update of June 1997...Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "The following article was submitted to the local newspapers in and around Brunswick, ME, and various Navy publications. It was gratefully submitted to us by LTJG Russ Pesut...Patrol Squadron EIGHT, based at Naval Air Station Brunswick, ME, marked 19 years and 119,700 mishap-free flight hours on 22 September 1997. During this period, the FIGHTING TIGERS deployed overseas 12 times and experienced six complete personnel turnovers. This August, VP-8 completed a high tempo Mediterranean deployment, flying over 4,000 mishap-free flight hours supporting Operations Deliberate Guard, Silver Wake, AND 27 naval, joint and combined exercises... While this achievement is a tribute to all Fighting Tigers, past and present, Admiral Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations, reminds Sailors that for success in all endeavors, the Navy must "Steer by the stars, not by our wake." So how do the Fighting Tigers "Steer by the stars?" First and foremost, the command's safety culture emanates from the Commanding Officer, Commander Ray Para. A staunch advocate of powerful, effective tools such as Operational Risk Management (ORM), the Commanding Officer is the catalyst for continued success, facilitating an ORM implementation embraced by all hands. Additional programs maintaining VP-8's safety awareness include an innovative Safety Monitor Program, developed by Safety Petty Officer, Aviation Electrician's Mate First Class John McCormick. At random, AE1 McCormick recruits an "assistant" from another work center and they take a "30-minute walk" focusing on how daily business is conducted. This simple program produces a win-win situation; personnel awareness is immediately increased and the command receives a daily safety inspection. The Quality Assurance Officer, LT Bruck Rasche, under the guidance of the Aircraft Maintenance Officer, successfully integrated ORM into numerous maintenance evolutions from routine aircraft moves to engine turns, where qualified personnel are in close proximity to an operating engine and propeller. The Aircraft Safety Officer, LT John Stuhlfire, provides ORM training in conjunction with important Aircrew Coordination Training (ACT). Additional programs including the Enlisted Safety Council, Officer's Safety Council, and the Human Factors Committee complement an effective command safety program ensuring safety now and in the future...VP-8's wake of the past 19 years has been straight, through hard work and attention to detail. All squadron personnel mark this occasion with a commitment to safe practices in the work center, at home, in the community, and in the aircraft. (LCDR Jerry Nyberg, VP-8 Safety Officer.)...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUN97--Greetings from Vicenza, Italy. Our legacy continues, the Tigers of VP-8 fly daily over Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Guard. In a few weeks, VP-45 assumes the 'Watch'..." Contributed by G. L. Nyberg, LCDR, USN nyberg@jax-inter.net
Circa 1995
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Awards, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/so95.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Awards, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/ja95.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Awards - Naval Aviation News - May - June 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/mj95.pdf [12NOV2004]
Circa 1994
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/so94.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Awards, Major Deployments, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/ja94.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Change-Of-Command, Rcords, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - March - April 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/ma94.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: " PNAVNOTE 1650...VP-8 (24JAN94 - 17JUN94) AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION" http://www.navy.mil/homepages/bupers/uniform/muc.txt
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX94-00XXX96--On 24 January 1994 Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR , and established detachments at Howard AFB, Panama and Sotocano, Honduras. VP-8's primary mission on deployment was to detect and monitor vessels suspect of narcotics trafficking. "TIGER" aircrews flew over 4800 flight hours and over 350 sorties, participating in the capture of 5 surface vessels, 6 vehicles, 1 aircraft, and 12,000 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of over a quarter of a billion dollars. In addition to narcotic interdiction flights, VP-8 aircrews flew over 90 flights supporting Operation Support Democracy, enforcing U.N. sanctions against the Republic of Haiti. On the Squadron's return to NAS Brunswick, Maine, 16 June, VP-8 gained recognition from Commander Fleet Air Caribbean (COMFAIRCARIB), who described the deployment as one of the most successful to date. Upon returning from deployment, the TIGERS embarked on what proved to be a busy, but rewarding homecycle. VP-8 began the arduous task of transitioning from P3C update II.5 aircraft, to update III's. This new and improved equipment will enable the squadron to capably continue its mission as both an ASW and surveillance platform. Continuing a long-standing tradition, VP-8 aircrews participated in UNITAS XXXV-94 working with our Latin American counterparts. Four TIGER aircrews detached to both Argentina and Ecuador, and were instrumental in the success of this exercise of Hemispheric Solidarity. Tiger Aircrews continued working hard, supporting both COMPTUEX and FLEETEX operations, helping to prepare different battle groups for their upcoming deployments. Of all the many accomplishments of this homecycle, one stood head and shoulders above the rest. VP-8 was awarded COMNAVAIRLANT's GOLDEN ANCHOR award. The GOLDEN ANCHOR is awarded annually to the aviation squadron with outstanding personnel retention. This was the first ever GOLDEN ANCHOR for VP-8 and the first time a Patrol Squadron has won this prestigious award since 1986. The Squadron returned in January 1996 from deployment to Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy, having begun this deployment 24 July 1995. Supporting NATO and United Nations' resolutions regarding the former Republic of Yugoslavia, PV- 8 flew more than 900 sorties and over 6,000 flight hours during Operations SHARP GUARD and DECISIVE ENHANCEMENT. In addition, TIGER aircrews maintained their ASW prowess in the Mediterranean Theater being recognized as this year's Arnold J. Isbell Trophy winner. On April 19 1996 there was a change of command ceremony at NAS Brunswick, Maine from Commander Glenn A. Fogg, USN to Commander Michael C. Fralen, USN. Patrol Squadron EIGHT's accomplishments have earned them world wide respect and recognition. The professionalism of every squadron member serves as a reminder to all of VP-8's dedication to excellence and service to the country..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1993
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/so93.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/ja93.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX93--On 14 October 1993, Patrol Squadron EIGHT reached 100,000 hours of accident free flying, a significant milestone. Shortly later in early November of 1993, flying in the eastern Adriatic as part of Operation "Sharp Guard" in the enforcement of UN Resolutions, VP-8's Combat Air Crews worked to prevent unauthorized shipping from entering the former Yugoslavia. During this home cycle, VP-8 also established detachments in Dalman, Turkey and Keflavik, Iceland, and flew the first ASW mission ever in the Black Sea...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1992
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Squadron Deployments, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Disestablishment, etc. - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Miss Piggy Retires At 30 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Change-Of-Command, Safe Flying, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/jf92.pdf [11NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX92--In July 1992, Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR , and Naval Station Rota, Spain, on a seven month split-site deployment. The deployments took a very different approach since the demise of the Soviet Union and their submarine fleet. Although this threat has certainly diminished, the Third World submarine capabilities have continued to improve and the need for VP continues as a vital platform. Not only in ASW, but also in the current role (in Puerto Rico) as counter narcotics - anti-drug smuggling platforms. Operating out of NS Roosevelt Roads, PR , the TIGERS flew over 6,000 flight hours in support of counternarcotic operations. Additionally, VP-8 aircrews flew in support of Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean and participated in UNITAS XXXIII-92 with a two crew detachment to South America. Throughout the deployment, Patrol Squadron EIGHT established numerous other detachment sites including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Key West, Florida; Sigonella, Sicily; and Lajes, Azores. September, 1992 was the 50th anniversary of the squadron's commissioning and in August, 1992 the 30th anniversary of VP-8 flying the P-3 Orion aircraft. (VP-8 was the first squadron to fly the P-3) and Patrol Squadron Eight's accomplishments have earned them world wide respect and recognition. The professionalism of every squadron member serves as a reminder to all, of VP-8's dedication to ASW excellence and service to the fleet..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!! A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX93--The squadron returned to NAS Brunswick, Maine in January 1993 completing their second consecutive year of logging over 8,000 flight hours, the highest in the Atlantic Fleet. This deployment marked the 30th anniversary of the Lockheed Orion and highlighted the multi-mission versatility of the P-3C and its value to the US Navy and Joint Task Forces...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1991
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/nd91.pdf [25OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Desert Shield/Storm - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/so91.pdf [24OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Naval Air Aids Kuwait Liberation - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/mj91.pdf [24OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/jf91.pdf [24OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...1990 Patrol Squadron Major Deployments - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/ja91.pdf [23OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aviation Units Involved in the Persian Gulf War (16 January–27 February 1991)...This Squadron Mentioned...Naval Historical Center ADOBE Download File: http://www.history.navy.mil/avh-1910/APP29.PDF [27MAY2003]
Persian Gulf War 20KB
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX91--After returning from Operation Desert Storm, Commander Hugh C. Dawson,Jr. relieved Commander Bruce W. Crawford in ceremonies at Naval Air Station, Brunswick, Maine on 27 June 1991, and became Patrol Squadron EIGHT's forty-third Commanding Officer. Patrol Squadron EIGHT flew more than 8,200 flight hours during the 1991 calendar year. This impressive total led all maritime patrol squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet. The squadron also received several important awards for command retention during 1991. These awards include the Golden Orion Award for retention during the 4th quarter of 1991, the Bronze Anchor presented by Patrol Wing FIVE, and the Commander Naval Air Atlantic's Silver Anchor Award..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Med Deployment 1990-1991 "Relax and smoke a camel" [01JAN2000]
Circa 1990
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 6, 7, 30 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/so90.pdf [22OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX90--In May 1990, Commander Bruce W. Crawford assumed the duties and responsibilites of Commanding Officer, with Commander Hugh Dawson taking over as his Executive Officer. October saw an overall Outstanding Maintenance Inspection, and in November, the squadron literally set a new record in the Pre-deployment Readiness Evaluations. In December the Tigers deployed to the Central Mediterranean (Sigonella, Sicily) to support national interests in the region, and are currently supporting Operation Desert Storm. In December 1990, the squadron deployed to Sigonella, Sicily as part of the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet to support national interests in the Mediterranean. The TIGERS proudly served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1991), operating out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During Operation Desert Shield, VP-8 flew 58 sorties and more than 580 flight hours while searching the Red Sea for vessels that might violate U.N. Sanctions against Iraq. Once Operation Desert Storm began, VP-8's mission expanded to day and night surveillance, anti-terrorist protection for the Red Sea Battle Force and search and rescue. During Operation Desert Storm, aircraft of Patrol Squadron EIGHT flew more than 100 sorties and over 1000 combat flight hours while searching more than 3,300,000 square miles. This major detachment reemphasized the invaluable worth of the P- 3C as an integral part of the Carrier Battle Group. In addition, while operating out of Sigonella, the TIGERS proved their effectiveness against front line Soviet submarines in the Mediterranean and Atlantic and were awarded another "Hook 'em" Award by Commander Sixth Fleet. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, several of Patrol Squadron EIGHT's aircraft served to test a new survivability modification for the P-3C aircraft. This package of improvements included the addition of the AAR-47 Missile Warning System, the ALE-39 Chaff and Flare Dispenser, explosive suppressive foam in the fuel tanks and a new tactical paint scheme. In December 1990, the squadron deployed to the Central Mediterranean to support national interests in the region. The squadron was the East Coast VP squadron flying in the Red Sea when Desert Shield changed to Desert Storm. The TIGERS served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, operating out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This conflict reemphasized the multi-mission capabilities of the P-3C operating with the Carrier Battle Group. In addition, the TIGERS proved their effectiveness against front line Soviet submarines operating in the Mediterranean and Atlantic and were awarded another "Hook 'em" Award by Commander, Sixth Fleet. The squadron flew more than a thousand hours per month for the six month deployment in support of more than three carrier battle groups flying combat missions into Iraq. As a result of this deployment, the squadron received five decorations, including selection as the Atlantic Fleet VP squadron Battle E winner for outstanding performance in 1991, VP-8 making it the squadron's fifth Battle "E"..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "AIRCRAFT SQUADRONS PARTICIPATING IN DESERT SHIELD/STORM: VP-4 10 NOV - 10 MAR...VP-8 05 DEC - 10 MAR...VP-23 02 OCT - 10 NOV...VP-40 06 FEB - 10 MAR...VP-46 26 JAN - 10 MAR...VP-19 28 AUG - 02 FEB...VP-91 09 FEB - 23 FEB...VPU-1 25 JAN - 10 MAR...VPU-2 12 SEP - 10 MAR...VQ-1 08 AUG - 10 MAR...VQ-2 06 DEC - 10 MAR..." http://www.history.navy.mil/wars/dstorm/appenb.htm [26DEC97]
Circa 1988
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUN88--In June 1988, the Squadron returned from the difficult Rota/Lajes theater, the sight of many past successes. As the "Gatekeepers to the Mediterranean," the Tigers continued to show their "excellence through professionalism" by being awarded the "Hook 'em" award by Commander Sixth Fleet for tenacious on-station ASW operations...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUL88-00APR89--The July 1988 through April 1989 home cycle at NAS Brunswick, Maine was another rigorous training and maintenance cycle. While in Brunswick, the squadron averaged approximately 300 dedicated flying hours a month to the training and upgrading of personnel. They also conducted operational missions for Patrol Wing Five. After returning from Keflavik, Iceland deployment, the squadron began an extremely successful home cycle in Brunswick. The Tigers were kept busy with inspections such as the Material Condition Inspection (MCI), Command Inspection (CI) and the Operational Readiness Exam (ORE). The squadron also practiced formation mining, a first in the P3C...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1987
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Editors Notebook - Page 1 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1987..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1987/so87.pdf [20OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Tracing Squadron Lineage - Page 22 to 26 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1987..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1987/jf87.pdf [20OCT2004]
Circa 1986
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00NOV86--In November 1986, Patrol Squadron EIGHT returned from a highly successful Keflavik deployment. After facing the Soviet's front line submarines and participating in Exercise "Northern Wedding," the Tiger team came home to its fourth Arnold Jay Isbell Award; the third in ten years...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Logo "...1986 VP-8 NAS Keflavik, Iceland deployment patch..." Contributed by Tom Grannis grannis1@earthlink.net [19MAY2003]
Circa 1985
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) - P-3 Orions from VP-5, VP-8, VP-24, VP-26 and VP-56..." WebSite: It's Your History http://www.its-your-history.com/USS_John_F__Kennedy__CVA-67.383.0.html [25OCT2005]
Underway again on 9 December 1985 for fleet carquals, John F. Kennedy completed tracking exercises for her CIWS and Sea Sparrow systems, cross-decked people from VP-8, VP-24, and VP-26, and qualified pilots from VA-42 and VA-174, VMA(AW)-533, and CVW-3. Beginning two days later, the ship conducted ASW exercises with L. Mendel Rivers (SSN-686) and Archerfish (SSN-678) (11-12 December); P-3 Orions from VP-5, VP-24, and VP-56, assisted by the frigate Bowen (FF-1079) generated 51 hours of contact and 30 simulated attacks. A brief visit (13 December) to Mayport preceded the ship’s completing the surface ship torpedo defense system (16 December), after which (19 December), John F. Kennedy returned to Norfolk.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Reserves - Change-Of-Command - Page 27 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/nd85.pdf [18OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 - Page 9 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/ma85.pdf [18OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "08FEB85--On 8 February 1985, Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to Rota, Spain; and Lajes Field, Azores, Portugal. Again the "Tigers" set high standards and broke old records...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1984
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 1, 11 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/nd84.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUN84--In June 1984, the Tigers embarked upon UNITAS 25, an exercise involving combined ASW operations with the navies of South America..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1983
A BIT OF HISTORY:  ID: DNSN8505677 "...A P-3 Orion aircraft from Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8) takes off on a Naval Air Training and Operating Standarization (NATOPS) evaluation flight. Location: NAS Whidbey Island, Washington (WA) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) - Camera Operator: JOCS KIRBY HARRISON Date Shot: 15 May 1983..." WebSite: Defense Visual Information Center http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/ [07FEB2006]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Awards - Page 30 and 32 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/ja83.pdf [17OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "05OCT83--On 5 October 1983, Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to Sigonella, Sicily with detachments to Rota, Spain; Souda Bay, Crete; and Nimes-Garon, France. The Tigers completed their record breaking deployment in March 1984 and subsequently were awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "... NAS Sigonella, Sicily Deployment 1983-1984 'One More Minor Adjustment - Shock Oscillation - TRON VP-8 Shop'..." Contributed by Anthony Panariello Ajpanarie@aol.com [05APR2001]
Circa 1982
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 2, 44 and 46 - Naval Aviation News - October 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/oct82.pdf [16OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...It's Always Winter Somewhere - Page 9 to 13 - Naval Aviation News - August 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/aug82.pdf [15OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...P-3 Orion Twenty Years Young - Page 14 to 18 - Naval Aviation News - August 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/aug82.pdf [15OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Long Distance Flyer's - Page 18 to 25 - Naval Aviation News - August 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/aug82.pdf [15OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "09AUG82--On 9 August 1982, Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to the island of Bermuda with numerous detachments throughout the Atlantic including: Lajes, Azores, Keflavik, Iceland, and NS Roosevelt Roads, PR . In March 1983, Patrol Squadron EIGHT was presented the 1982 COMNAVAIRLANT Battle Efficiency Award and the 1982 CINCLANTFLT Golden Anchor Award for retention excellence...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...This patch was worn on my yellow vest from 82- 84 (I was an ABH-2). so that is why it is a bit tattered. There were only about 24 or so made so it is rare indeed. This was NOT an official patch of the squadron but one made by members of the VP-8 line branch. Also, as the history of the squadron will show you, we did not make a "word tour" but a deployment to NAS Bermuda. The world tour refers to the many dets we ran from NAS Bermuda. (I got reassigned for a couple weeks before I even unpacked my sea bag !) ..." Contributed by DESCHENES, ABH2 Ronnie Abh2vp8@aol.com [20SEP2001]
Circa 1981
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 42, 44, and 45 - Naval Aviation News - July 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jul81.pdf [14OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00AUG81--In August 1981, the Tigers began the transition from the P3B to the P3C Update II aircraft. Following the arrival of the first P3C Update II in January 1982, VP-8 was awarded the Arnold Jay Isbell Award for excellence in Airborne ASW and celebrated 20 years of operations with the P3 Orion..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1980
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Change-Of-Command - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - October 1980..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1980/oct80.pdf [12OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "01NOV80--On 1 November 1980, VP-8 again deployed to Rota/Lajes. The Tigers were the last squadron to use the Bravo aircraft in service. The successful completion of this deployment led to the awarding of the Sixth Fleet Hook 'Em Award, in recognition of exceptional ASW operations..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 patch given to me during a visit to Brunswick in Feb 1980..." Contributed by Paul Warrener [E-Mail Removed By Request Of Shipmate - 07OCT2001] WEBSITE: Link Removed By Request [10OCT2002]
Circa 1979
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...VP-8 Aw Whop in 1979. I hope I have all the names right. L-R Back Row: AW3 Gary Hagen, AW3 Tim Dumont, AW2 Ron Toth, AWAN Dennis Edwards, AW2 Steve Muench, AWAN Mark Printz, AW2 Dan Carignan, AW2 Dave Scheid, AWC Fat Jack Nicholson, AWAN Tim Wynne, AW2 Jack Warren, AW3 Marvin Retro Jones, AW3 Doug Clapp, LT(jg) Lance Muehling, AW3 Dan Tessmer, AWAN Jim Duke Gibson, AWAN Brian Caparera, AW3 Rod Smalt, AW2 Pat Kelly, AWAN Steve Smith, AW3 Guy Smalt, AW1 John Peterson, AW3 Kevin Kimball and AW1 Steve Biggs. These names and ranks are to the best of my knowlage are correct..." Contributed by FAHEY, AO1 Michael P. (DAV) Retired farmiester@yahoo.com [27JUL2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Article written in the NAS Brunswick, Maine Patroller (about August 1979) about a MediVac CAC-7 flew..." Contributed by FAHEY, AO1 Michael P. (DAV) Retired farmiester@yahoo.com [23JUL2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Page 22 and 23 - Naval Aviation News - August 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/aug79.pdf [10OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History - Awards - Page 3, 23, 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - May 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/may79.pdf [10OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 23 and 25 - Naval Aviation News - January 1979..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1979/jan79.pdf [10OCT2004]
Circa 1978
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Crew 9 "...1978 NAS Bermuda Deployment - VP-8 - Crew 9 "The Pigs In Space." Our call sign was Papa One Golf Sierra. I had the privilege of holding the flag out the overhead hatch while taxiing to the ramp at NAS Brunswick, Maine..." Contributed by John Drombosky jdrombo@cox.net [04MAR2009]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 27 and 29 - Naval Aviation News - September 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/sep78.pdf [09OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History and Change-Of-Command - Page 25 - Naval Aviation News - April 1978..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1978/apr78.pdf [09OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00AUG78-00DEC79--From February to August 1978, the squadron deployed to Bermuda and LaJes. While on deployment, the squadron was awarded the Golden Wrench Award for excellence in Maintenance during 1977. Following this deployment, the Tigers were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation and the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for excellence in airborne ASW. The Tigers spent their last deployment of the decade in the Rota/Lajes theater. During this demanding dual site deployment from July to December 1979, the Tigers operated out of 12 different sites from the Equator to Iceland and were awarded a second Meritorious Unit Commendation..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Crew 7 "...The shirt was made for the NAS Bermuda / NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal deployment starting the day after the blizzard of Feb "78" It was a 6 month deployment..." Contributed Alan M. Carignan [Requested E-Mail Removal (SEE: SPAM Summary Page) 18AUG2003 | 13AUG2000]
Circa 1976
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX76--In February 1976, the squadron returned to Brunswick from a split deployment in Rota, Spain, and the Azores, from which surface and subsurface surveillance flights were conducted in both the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. After a brief at home training period, VP-8 departed again in October 1976 for a split deployment in Bermuda and Lajes, Azores. As the result of their outstanding airborne ASW performance in Atlantic operations, they received the Meritorious Unit Commendation-..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1977
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Aircrew Ordnanceman "...Circa 1977. Four are Groudpounders I don't know who is on what crew but I do know most names. LEFT TO RIGHT: AOAN Horse Hollister, AO1 Thumper Thomes(AC), AO1 Smith and AO2 PAtrick Simones(AC). TOP: AO2 Mike Fahey(AC) CAC-7, AO2 Tom Schnider(AC), AO1 Unknown(AC) and AOAN Leamen(AC). CONTINUE LEFT TO RIGHT: AO1 Tom Gurd(AC), AO2 Mike Harrington, AO1 Bill LKucas Shop LPO and AO2 Ole Larson(AC)..." Contributed by FAHEY, AO1 Michael P. (DAV) Retired farmiester@yahoo.com [23JUL2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Meritorious Unit Citation awarded to VP-8, VP-44, VP-64, and VP-92 for ASW operations with CTG 84.3 out of NAS Bermuda in the spring of 1977. The citation on the second page was given out in December of 1977..." Contributed by ROBIDEAU, AWCS Larry Retired larobidoo@comcast.net [15MAY2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...History And Change-Of-Command - Page 23 - Naval Aviation News - June 1977..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1977/jun77.pdf [08OCT2004]
Circa 1975
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Commemorative Visit - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - August 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/aug75.pdf [03OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - June 1975..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1975/jun75.pdf [02OCT2004]
Circa 1974
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX69-00XXX74--From 1969 to 1974, the squadron made numerous deployments to NAS Bermuda. In July 1971, Patrol Squadron EIGHT was transferred to its present home port, NAS Brunswick, Maine...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1972
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...P2V-4 - Page 40 - Naval Aviation News - December 1972..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1972/dec72.pdf [27SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - June 1972..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1972/jun72.pdf [27SEP2004]
Circa 1970
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Squadron Insignia - Naval Aviation News - October 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/oct70.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 24 - Naval Aviation News - April 1970..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1970s/1970/apr70.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]
Armed Forces Service Medal
20 Jul 95 - 17 Jan 96
02 Jan 97 - 15 Feb 97
Armed Forces Service Medal
10 Feb 97 - 10 Aug 97
Joint Meritorious Unit Award
15 Aug 90 - 12 Oct 90
10 Oct 91 - 06 Dec 91
Meritorious Unit Commendation
02 Mar 70 - 17 Jul 70
25 Oct 70 - 26 Feb 71
13 Feb 77 - 22 May 77
11 Jul 79 - 04 Dec 79
11 Aug 82 - 12 Jan 83
24 May 86 - 10 Nov 86
24 Jan 94 - 17 Jun 94
21 Jul 95 - 17 Jan 96
Navy “E” Ribbon (Battle “E”)
01 Jan 82 - 31 Dec 82
01 Jan 97 - 31 Dec 97
Navy Unit Commendation
05 Oct 83 - 14 Mar 84
Southwest Asia Service Medal
05 Dec 90 - 10 Mar 91
SECNAV Letter of Commendation
10 Feb 97 - 10 Aug 97
Coast Guard SOS Ribbon
01 Jul 88 - 30 Sep 88
VP-8 Det
Navy Unit Commendation
17 Jan 91 - 28 Feb 91
VP-8 Det OF
Meritorious Unit Commendation
11 Jan 76 - 30 Jan 76
VP-8 Det LANT
Navy Unit Commendation
08 Feb 78 - 09 Aug 78
Circa 1971
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8/VP-44 "... P-3 Bermuda photo credited to all East Coast VP ever deployed to NAS Bermuda..." Contributed by CDR KEENE wkeane@private.mv.com [15APR2008]
Circa 1969
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 34 to 35 - Naval Aviation News - September 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/sep69.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - June 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/jun69.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Naval Aviation News - May 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/may69.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - April 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/apr69.pdf [17SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 30 - Naval Aviation News - March 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/mar69.pdf [16SEP2004]
Circa 1968
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - September 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/sep68.pdf [15SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - February 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/feb68.pdf [14SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/jan68.pdf [14SEP2004]
Circa 1967
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - April 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/apr67.pdf [09SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Pacific, Atlantic 'E' Winnders Named - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - April 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/apr67.pdf [09SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/jan67.pdf [08SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "MAR/JUN67--On 9 March 1965 Commander Harry G Rich relieved Commander D.R. "Doc" Johnson as CO. Change of Command festivities were interrupted by orders to deploy three aircraft to Iceland "immediately" to observe Soviet maniievers. Appropriately clad in the new CO's traditional orange and black "Tiger Suit" complete with tail. Commander Rich calmly issued the necessary orders and, the deployment went off without problem. This incident was a precursor of an exciting tenure for the new CO.
At this point in time, despite apparently good morale, the squadron stood #13 out of 15 Atlantic squadrons in competitive standing and #5 out of 15 in reenlistments. Commander Rich established long range goals to remedy this situation. These goals were based upon a willingness to be creative and innovative and to respect inputs from all hands.
This approach turned out to be a perfect fit for the squadron's later assignment to Task Group DELTA, the lead Atlantic squadron for the development, test and evaluation of new ASW tactics, equipment and procedures.
VP-8's spirit and competence was put to the test in June through October 1965 with additional deployments to Iceland for participation (uninvited) in the Soviet summer fleet exercises. All flight crews enjoyed exceptional success in detecting and tracking Soviet submarines and the squadron received commendations from CINCLANTFLT, COMASWFORLANT and COMFAIRWINGSLANT for their efforts. Not all was work, for short visits were made to Norway and Scotland.
At Patuxent, VP-8 softball, basketball and touch football teams came in first in base intramurals and VP-8 was awarded the "Captain's Cup" for being the best athletes on base. Under LTJG Tom Hall (who would himself command VP-8 in 1979-80), a vigorous reenlistment program brought the squadron from last to first place in just six months.
A winter detachment deployment in November and December 1965 to Argentia, Newfoundland (whose weather made Keflavik look like Miami Beach), with squadron aircraft making a number of barrier flights from Argentia to Lajes in the Azores, completed operations for 1965.
The squadron's new confidence and competence were reflected in the results of the intensive training experienced during Operation SPRINGBOARD in February of 1966. All crews returned from SPRINGBOARD with the top readiness rating of "ALFA" qualification and the squadron was ready to tackle any and all assignments.
Commander Rich was relieved by Commander Richard A. Hofiman on 31 March 1966. Rear Admiral Rich would later comment that his only regret as CO of VP-8 was in underestimating the inate capability of VP-8 personnel and in not setting even higher goals.
When Commander Hoffman assumed command, with Bob Gallagher as his great Leading Chief, the squadron was handed a unique and very challenging assignment. VP-8 had been selected to be the first Atlantic patrol squadron to deploy to the Pacific in support of Seventh Fleet operations in Viet Nam. The squadron would be based in the Philippines at the Naval Station Sangley Point in Manila Bay and would be tasked to fly MARKET TIME anti-infiltration patrols off the Vietnamese coast and YANKEE STATION ASW flights in support of the carriers of Task Force 77.
The next few months were spent in pre-deployment planning and preparation. Briefings were received from COMFAIRWINGSPAC in Moffett Field, California, intensive training was received in infiltrator ship and junk recognition, personnel manning and materials were brought to war levels, flight crews were sent to Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE) courses in Bronswick, Maine and Warner Springs, California, medical shots and tropical environment working conditions lectures were received and plans were made for personnel and material deployment via Military Airlift Command C-141 STARLIFTERS.
Squadron aircraft deployed via MofTett, Hawaii, and Guam and upon arrival at Sangley in June 1966 the squadron became TV 72.3.2 and immediately started operational flights. Most operations were flown from Sangley, but squadron aircraft visited Saigon, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Okinawa and lwakuni, Japan. A hurricane evacuation was flown to Tainan in Taiwan and Crew I participated in Exercise SWORDTHRUST out ofTownesville, Australia with briefings in Sydney. During this joint US/RAF/RAAF ASW exercise, the VP- 8 crew achieved three out of the four exercise submarine "kills" (including one made from the nighttime detection of a snorkle by "Eagle Eye" Chief John CoUis). The crew also formed an honor guard for the visit of President Lyndon Johnson to Townesville, and was inspected by the President and the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand.
During this deployment, the present VP-8 insignia of a cloud-wreathed tiger attacking and crushing a submarine was conceived by Commander Hoffman and executed by LTJG Steve Dansker.
In the six months of deployment, the squadron flew 7700 accident-free hours and met every commitment in a sterling manner. Commendations were received from all operational commanders in recognition of the squadron's outstanding record. All crews returned ALFA qualified and all flight crewmen were awarded Air Medals.
Return to Patuxent River in December 1966 was made from Sangley direct to Barber's Point, Hawaii with a fuel stop at Guam and from Barbers non-stop to Pax. Rear Admiral A.R. Matter, COMFAIRWINGSLANT flew up from Norfolk to personally welcome the squadron home.
Commander H.F. Knudsen assumed command on 28 February 1967. Change of Command ceremonies were highlighted by the award of the Battle Efficiency "E" to VP-8 as the best patrol squadron in the Atlantic Fleet The squadron was also awarded the CNO Safety Award and the outgoing skipper was presented the Navy Commendation Medal in recognition of the squadron's performance in Viet Nam. Commander Hoffman remarked that the award was really the squadron's due to the fact that he had the "honor to command the best squadron in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets"..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX67--1967 was spent with deployments to Iceland, Argentia, Newfoundland, and Bermuda. Commander Knudsen was relieved by Commander T.F. Todd on 12 March, 1968..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1966
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - December 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/dec66.pdf [07SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - November 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/nov66.pdf [07SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - August 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/aug66.pdf
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Inspection, The Annual Yardstick - Page 20 to 21 - Naval Aviation News - March 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/mar66.pdf [04SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Another Hookup - Another Voice - Page 39 - Naval Aviation News - March 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/mar66.pdf [04SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Atlantic Air Wings On Patrol - Page 32 to 33 - Naval Aviation News - January 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jan66.pdf [04SEP2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Crew Logo's "...1966 Western Pacific Deployment Cruise Book..." [13JUL99]
Circa 1964
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...It's A Three Minute Wash - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - December 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/dec64.pdf [30AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...The Gray Ghost Rides - Page 17 - Naval Aviation News - November 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/nov64.pdf [30AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 Returns To Patuxent - Page 18 - Naval Aviation News - April 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/apr64.pdf [28AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "01JAN64--On January 1, 1964, the remaining aircraft of VP-49 in Bermuda were moved to Patuxent River, and VP-8 came under the operational command of Commander ASW Group Bermuda. The entire squadron deployed to Bermuda at this time with an administrative and maintenance detachment remaining at Patuxent River..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "24FEB64--On February 24, the squadron was relieved from its Bermuda commitments by VP-49 and returned to its home base at Patuxent River, assuming duties as a member of Task Group DELTA, one of four special U.S. Navy ASW groups -- which may comprise carriers, destroyers, and patrol planes -- operating in and over the Atlantic. Task Group Delta, including VP-8, has a primary responsibility to keep watch on the Atlantic sea lanes, but is also active in developing new ASW tactics and operating procedures for patrol aircraft in the surveillance and barrier areas of the Navy's ASW effort..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1965
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 36 to 37 - Naval Aviation News - May 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/may65.pdf [31AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jan65.pdf [31AUG2004]
Circa 1963
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Squadron Re-Enlists 13 - Page 31 - Naval Aviation News - October 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/oct63.pdf [27AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Orions Based At Bermuda - Page 10 - Naval Aviation News - September 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/sep63.pdf [27AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JAN63--In January 1963, VP-8 entered Task Group DELTA. The squadron deployed to Puerto Rico to participate in Operation SPRINGBOARD on January 25. During this deployment, flights were made to St. Croix, Trinidad, and Barbados..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00MAR63--From 9 - 17 March, 1963, VP-8's LC-1, piloted by Commander C.W. Cook and LCDR A.H. Balch, became the first Orion to complete a transatlantic flight by a P3A when LC-1 flew non-stop from Norfolk to West Malling, England in nine hours and five minutes. In an effort to show the Royal British Navy the newest United States ASW weapons system, the aircraft visited Turnhouse, Scotland; Ballykelly, Ireland; and Keflavik, Iceland before returning to home base on Mary 17th, becoming the first of its type to visit these countries. ..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "APR/MAY63--After the Cuban crisis, VP-8 completed training exercises at the NS Roosevelt Roads, PR . Then deployed to participate in a major NATO exercise FISHPLAY, operating from a Royal Air Force base at Ballykelly in Northern Ireland from April 16 until May 15, 1963..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUN63--On June 30, 1963, six aircraft were deployed to Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda. The detachment augmented PATRON 44 and 49, both of which were undergoing transition to the P3A Orion..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1962
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...In August of 1962, the First Operational Tactical P-3A was delivered to VP-8 at P River..." WebSite: FE CenterSeat http://www.centerseat.net/forums/showthread.php?t=283 [15APR2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...24OCT62 - 30NOV62...Cuban Missle Crisis - All received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal..." WebSite: USS Spiegel Grove! http://www.kevinflatley.com/supplement.htm [23OCT2006]
Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 7 (VP-7)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 8 (VP-8)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 10 (VP-10)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 11 (VP-11)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18)
24 October - 31 December 1962
Patrol Squadron 18 (VP-18) Det. 6
24 October - 31 December 1962
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Lockheed P3V Orion Joins The Fleet - Page 12 - Naval Aviation News - October 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/oct62.pdf [24AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...CNO Safety Awards And E Awards - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - September 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/sep62.pdf [23AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patuxent Squadrons Get P3V - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - September 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/sep62.pdf [23AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Flight Crew Scores High - Page 13 - Naval Aviation News - July 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/jul62.pdf [23AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...00XXX62--Five aircraft and a support contingent deployed to Puerto Rico in January 1962 for participation in Exercise SPRING-BOARD while the remainder of the squadron continued operations with Task Group ALPHA. In February 1962 the squadron participated in Operation SLAMEX. During January, February, and March 1962 the squadron continued to fly surveilance in connection with NASA launching facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. In March 1962 a second deployment was made to Puerto Rico to complete Operation SPRING-BOARD training. In May, 1962 the squadron initiated a training program for all personnel in preparation for the introduction of the P3A Orion aircraft. VP-8 was the first operational squadron to be equipped with the P-3 Orion. On 8 August 1962, Commander Creighton W. Cook, then VP-8's commanding officer, flew the Navy's new ASW aircraft on its first operational mission -- some five days before the Orion was officially inducted into the Navy...VP-8 was scheduled to become fully operational with the Orion on 1 January 1963, but it is a measure of both the squadron and the P-3 airplane that this deadline was bettered by a considerable margin. The original program was accelerated, partly due to the rising crisis in Cuba, and October 1962 found VP-8 in active support of the Cuban quarantine operation with aircraft deployed to Bermuda and the Azores. From these islands, VP-8 flew about 1,000 hours in all weather conditions, providing surveillance of shipping bound to and from Cuban ports, and undertaking various anti-submarine tasks -- a meritorious achievement considering the squadron was operating a new type aircraft from advanced bases with a minimum of support. The P3A was officially presented to the fleet operating forces on August 13, 1962 by Mr. Gross, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lockheed Aircraft Corporation of California. The aircraft was accepted for the Navy by Vice Admiral R.B. Pirie, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (AIR) who presented it to Patrol Squadron Eight. On 1 Sept. 1962 VP-8 received its second consecutive Battle Excellence Readiness Award. The "E" was presented by RADM George P. Koch, Commander Fleet Air Wings, Atlantic. On 15 Sept. 1962 the squadron celebrated its Twentieth Anniversary with awards presentations, open house and an all hands picnic. Upon relinquishing its last P2V-5F to the U.S. Naval Reserve in October 1962, VP-8 became the fleet's first operational P3A "ORION" squadron, sending detachments to Keflavik, Iceland; Ballykelly, Ireland; Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda; Argentia, Newfoundland; and other locations throughout the Caribbean to exercise the new weapons system. On October 23, a four plane detachment was deployed to Bermuda as a result of the Cuban crisis. With eight planes, the squadron relieved the detachment daily in order to provide long range surveillance and ASW capability to the blockade. VP-8 was the first Orion squadron to be utilized operationally during this crisis with recommendations for Air Medals..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  Last VP-8 P2 Neptune "...Last P2V to leave VP-8 and crew was taken at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland on October 1962. It shows the CO Captain Cook shaking hands with the PCP. I am directly behind the CO and you cannot see my face. We took the P2 to a reserve squadron in New York..." Contributed by BEDFORD, Roby mtnwmn@mail.tds.net [04FEB2002]
Circa 1961
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Battle E Squadrons Cited - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - October 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/oct61.pdf [20AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX61--After moving to a href="naspax.html">NAS Patuxent River, Maryland July 11, 1961, VP-8 was awarded the Battle Efficiency "E" Pennant for fiscal 1960. The distinction was won over all Atlantic Fleet land plane patrol squadrons. There the squadron was assigned primarily to anti-submarine warfare, and each crew is graded for competitive exercises in pursuit of its mission. These exercises involve all phases of aircraft operational missions, with special emphasis on crew skills in anti- submarine warfare. Flight crews must qualify, then compete in the designated exercises under the watch of a qualified observer on board the aircraft. Under its skipper, Commander John B. ("Big John") Hansen, the squadron's average performance on the exercises was 97%. Four of the squadron's 12 crews posted 100% in all exercises. In October, 1961 two aircraft and crews participated in Operation CAPEX, a goodwill mission to South Africa Free States. From November 24 through December 9, VP-8 participated in Operations CONVEX providing airborne protection against simulated enemy submarines during convoy operations...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1960
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-16, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49 and VP-56) - 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 [13MAR2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...(FAETU (PACific/AtLANtic), FASRON-3, FASRON-102, VP-8, VP-24, VP-44 and VP-56) - 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 [11MAR2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00XXX60--In January of 1960 Patrol Squadron Eight was relieved of its commitments in Task Group ALPHA by Patrol Squadron Twenty-Four. On March 5, 1960 the squadron deployed to Argentia, Newfoundland. The squadron received commendations from COMBARFORLANT for photo reconnaissance and shipping surveillance during the deployment. In September 1960 the squadron deployed to Bermuda in support of Maritime Air operations considered vital to national security, returning to Norfolk on September 20th...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1959
A BIT OF HISTORY:  P2V BUNO: 131522 "...P2V BUNO: 131522 at VFW-3761 Post Home (http://www.freewebs.com/vfw3761/p2vneptuneaircraft.htm. Don Bates provided aircraft data and gray and the blue photographs. Assignments: FASRON-108 (07JAN55), VP-11 (15FEB55), VP-16 (19MAR56), NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C. (28FEB57), VA-HM-13 (22MAR58), VP-24 (31JAN59), VP-8 (14OCT59),l VP-16 (12SEP60), VP-7 (26FEB62)..." Contributed by Don Bates kndbates@verizon.net [03AUG2009]
Department of The Navy
AIR:00D3:WJA:mw dated 5 March 1982
Mr Wyatt McFarland.
Dear Mr McFarland,
The Curator for the Navy forwarded your 22 January letter to my office for reply to you.
You asked for information on your SP-2E.
The distance from the ground to top of fuselange is 14' 4"; from center to center of landing gears left/right it is 25' 11"; and from center to center of main to nose landing gear is 24' 9". Weight and connecting points are items too complex to explain in a letter.
You need copies of the Flight Handbook and the Erection and Maintenance Manual for the P2V-5F, which was the aircraft's designation before being changed to P-2E.
The Air Force may have copies of these books. We have retired ours to the National Archives. I suggest that you ask at Rickenbacker.
If the Air Force does not have the books, all you can do is write the National Archives, Printed Archives Branch, 4205 Suitland Road, Washington, D.C. 20409. Ask for the books by aircraft designation.
The histoty of Bureau Number: 131522 is as follows:
29JUL54 - accepted by Navy BAR, Burbank, CA
05AUG54 - Went to O & R, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
07JAN55 - Went to FASRON-108, Burbank, CA
15FEB55 - Went to VP-11, NAS Brunswick, Maine
19MAR56 - Went to VP-16, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
28FEB57 - Went to NARTU (Naval Air Rescue Training Unit) NAS Anacostia, Washington, D.C.
03MAR57 - Went to BAR Burbank for rework
25MAR57 - Went to O & R NAS Alameda, California
22FEB58 - Went to O & R NAS Norfolk, Virginia
22MAR58 - Went to VA-HM-13, Malta
30NOV58 - Went to NAS Chincoteague, Virginia
31JAN59 - Went to VP-24 NAS Keflavik, Iceland
14OCT59 - Went to VP-8 NAS Norfolk, Virginia
04JAN60 - Went to O & R BUWEP at NAS Alameda, California
26APR60 - Went to VWRFR Burbank, CA
12SEP60 - Went to VP-16 NAS Jacksonville, Florida
26FEB62 - Went to VP-7 NAS Jacksonville, Florida
00APR64 - Went to NS Rota, Spain for 6 month tour
16MAR65 - went into storage at Litchfield Park, a Navy Storage facility in Arizona.
00DEC65 - Still in storage, Litchfield Park was disestablished and a tri-service storage facility Military Aircraft Storage & Disposition Center, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucon, AZ, became a storage site. This aircraft transferred there in Dec 1965.
15JAN71 - Out of storage, went to NARTD North Island
05MAR72 - Aircraft struck administratively from active inventory with 6,179 flying hours total service for training purposes at NARDET Training at NARDET Columbus, Lockbourne AFB, Ohio
09FEB79 - Lockbourne AFB requested this aircraft as training device in fire/crash rescue.
28FEB79 - Aircraft transferred to Air Force Custody.
Signed: Wm. J. Armstrong, Historian Naval Air Systems Command.
From The Department of Defense, Rickenbacker, AFB, Aircraft SP2E No. 131522 transferred to VFW Post 3761 Baltimore, Ohio 6 May 1982
Signed: H.W. Wickline, Colonel USAF, Commander.
Letter From Wyatt McFarland
COMRADES AND SISTERS
This is for you, not a memorial, monument, or a donation, but a piece of American Heritage from yesteryear, not so long ago but yet tucked away in the past. She was to die a death not befitting so many of her kind, to be burned, but somewhere down the road of her military career fate played a hand. Her career is above reproach, her destiny is now yours, for her final landing and resting place will be Liberty Union VFW Post 3761. Where else can American Heritage stop, be revived and begin a new career of American Heritage, but in the hands of the Veterans.
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation
P2V-5 Model 526
Lockheed Factory S/N
426-5403
Patrol & Anti-Submarine Search
SP-2E # 131522
Wing Span
103' 10 "
Length
81' 7 "
Length with stinger
91' 2"
Height
28' 1"
Weight Empty
41,754 Lbs.
Gross Weight
67,500 Lbs.
Max-Gross
76,152 Lbs.
Fuel
2800 to 3900 Gals.
Tip Tanks
350 Gals.
Range
4,750 Miles
Service Ceiling
23,200 Ft.
Power Plants
(2) R-3350-30WA's
Power Plants Aux
(2) J34-WE-34
Armament (Nose)
(2) 20mm Cannon
Armament (Top)
(2) 50 Cal.
Armament (Tail)
(2) 20mm Cannon
Cruise Speed
207 MPH
Top Speed
323 MPH at 17,400 ft.
Landing Speed
109 MPH
Rate of Climb
1820 Feet per minute
Crew
9
Number A/C Built
424
The P2V-5 first flew on 29 Dec 1950, it had a search light to illuminate the target for the nose guns. The light is housed in the nose of the starboard wing tank. The P2V-5FS (SP-2E) has a magnetic anomaly detection gear in the stinger tail, it also carried the Julie/Jezebel active and passive detection systems. The Navy updated the P2V-5 to the P2V-6 on 16 Oct 1952, this plane was built under the P2V-5 plans in 1953. She has been called "The Old Man of The Sea", but the Navy called her the "Neptune". Navy Neptune, "Truculent Turtle" set a world distance record of 11,236 miles. The Navy "Neptune" have seen service in Viet Nam.
Written By: Wyatt McFarland, Updated 11AUG92
Moving From Rickenbacker to Post 3761
A real big thank you to Paul Wooster for the many hours of his own time and hard work for getting the "Neptune" moved from Rickenbacker to the VFW Post Home.
Crew of the Neptune in 1965
It should be noted that three (3) comrades of our Post were members of the aircrew when this aircraft was on active duty.
They are, Don Bates, Herb Jung and Richard Woody.
The crewmembers when 131522 was taken out of active service in 1965 was as follows, Lcdr. Bob Byerg (pilot), Lt. Bob Harris (co-pilot), Lt. Larry Johnson (navigator), Lt. Bob Crabtree (tacco), ADJ2 Don Bates (plane captin), ATR2 Howard Hollweg (radar), AX2 John Delconte (juli/jez), AE3 Wayne Des Rosiers (electrician), ATN3 Henry Rustmann (radio), ADR3 Richard Woody (2nd mech), and AO1 Herb Jung (ordance) This is per Don Bates e-mail Dec. 7, 2008.
Another thank you to all those who helped Paul with the move. I don't know if anyone kept a list of those who helped and I don't want to miss anyone, if there is a list please let the Post know and we will add it .
We have a book at the Post with letters and picture of the A/C and the move of the aircraft if you at the Post and would like to see it, please ask.
P2V Story From Don Bates 12/08/2008
On the evening of July 2, 1963 we left Jax, Fl. on a routine 10 hour flight, due east over the Atlantic Ocean, to monitor shipping in the area. We did this by checking for screw sounds, getting a fix, then honing in on the ships, clicking on the search light to get it's name and port of registry. We would chart this along with the ship's heading. About 6 hours into the flight we picked up screw sounds that were identical to a Russian conventional sub. We honed in on it to find that it was submerged. So we dropped 3 consecutive practice depth charge s, which was at the time a warning to surface and be recognized. Nothing! We did it several more times and no response. We were told by the higher-ups to stay with it till they could get another crew launched to relieve us as we were now low on fuel. We idled back as slow as we could go and still stay airborne. By the time our relief plane arrived we didn't have enough fuel to return to Jax, so we were diverted to Nassau Airport in the Bahamas to get fuel. Nassau told us to buzz the field when we got there and they would turn on the runway lights for us to land. I guess they were saving energy way back then. We had to wait till they could locate a driver for the fuel truck. We could see the truck on the other side of the fence where they parked old 522. 2 hours later, 5am, the driver showed up and was so drunk that we ended up driving the truck and fueling the plane ourselves. It ended up being a long and hungry flight, but worth it. At daybreak the Russian sub had to surface to charge his batteries, because they normally charge them at night under the cover of darkness, but we foiled that by staying with them and the other crew got some great daylight pictures.
Each aircraft had a log book that records were kept in. Inside the log book for 131522 was a newspaper clipping from Shreveport,La. that told the story about ADR2 Swain(plane captain) flying 131522 by himself from Burbank,Ca. to Shreveport,La. which would have been 1960 when it was scheduled to leave VWRFR Burbank to Jax, Fl. From what I can remember, the article told how the Navy was going to court-marshall him and the Airforce stated anyone who could fly that bomber that distance by himself they wanted on their team. It was quite an interesting article. I tried several years ago to find the article from the Shreveport news but they couldn't find it as I didn't have an approximate date. All I could tell them was that it was sometime late 50's early 60's. From your info we now know it was probably Sept 1960. If you have the time you might be able to research the article, explaining that it is important information needed to complete the history of your aircraft. To my knowledge it's the only Neptune to have been flown by one man. You have a piece of history there.
This is what I can tell you about special tours etc. of 131522 while I was Plane Captain. It spent 3 tours out of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Cuban crisis doing reconnaissance around the Island 1962,1963,and 1964. It was on T.A.D.(temporary additional duty) out of Boca Chico Naval air station in the Florida Keys doing reconnaissance between Cuba and the Keys 1963. It went to Puerto Rico for 2 weeks every January for Maneuvers with the Atlantic Fleet to brush up on our skills while it was in VP-7. It was picked by our Commanding Officer, while we were in Rota, Spain, to be displayed in an air show at Lajes Air-Force Base in the Azores Islands. It was on T.A.D. to the Island of Crete, while in Rota, Spain, working the Mediterranean Sea. The "Skipper" picked it and our crew to take him to London, England to meet with his Executive officer, who was in charge of the other half of the squadron in Keflavik, Iceland. It wasn't that he liked "us", he only liked the way we kept the aircraft clean and and in the "up" status and that made "him" look good!
VP 131522
As you can see the color of the plane changed from charcoal grey to light gray between Rota in 1964 and storage 1965. It was repainted in Norfolk, Va. November 1964 and a memo followed that nothing was to applied to the paint of any aircraft but soap and water. Unknown by others, our crew had applied Johnson's one step glo-coat which helped us keep old 522 clean and shining. Don
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JUL59--In July, 1959, VP-8 changed homeport to Breezy Point, Norfolk, Va. where it received a commendation from Commander Destroyer Flotilla Four for the location of a missile nose cone during PROJECT MERCURY tests. The missile nose cone contained the monkey named "Sam," and was located only minutes after leaving its launching pad at Wallops Island, Virginia..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Patch "...Task Group Alfa, of which VP-8 was a member squadron while home-ported at NAS Norfolk, Virginia in the '59 - '61 time frame..." Contributed by Bill Butler p2tek@comcast.net [28MAR99]
Circa 1958
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Navigator Designator Used - Page 28 - Naval Aviation News - May 1958..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1958/may58.pdf [13AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00MAR58--In March 1958, Fleet Air Detachment Quonset was awarded the Admiral's Trophy, 1957-1958 - for excellence in athletics. That same month the Squadron changed homeport to NAS Chincoteague, Virginia. and in April joined the newly formed Task Group ALPHA. During the next twenty months, the squadron actively participated in every phase of antisubmarine warfare, ranging from the basic ASW techniques to the practical evaluation of new tactics and equipment. In February 1958 the squadron was awarded first place in open competition for the Lajes Air Force Base Annual Soap Box Derby. Also in 1958 the squadron was given national recognition when Time and Life magazines gave extensive coverage to Task Group Alpha. On 10 July they received a commendation for ice reconnaissance work within the Arctic. On 17 September the squadron received a commendation for work done in a demonstration for the Secretary of Defense....." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1956
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Ice Floes Ahead! - Page 1 to 5 - Naval Aviation News - October 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/oct56.pdf [09AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 Arrives At Quonset - Page 38 - Naval Aviation News - March 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/mar56.pdf [08AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...An Example - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - February 1956..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1956/feb56.pdf [08AUG2004]
Circa 1957
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 P2 BUNO: 128411 "...Second aircraft on which I was a crew member LC-9 (Serial # 128411) Picture date is uncertain but believe it was late '57 in the NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal..." Contributed by MENTING, Peter ommapop@msn.com [02JUN2002]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 P2 BUNO: Unknown "...HD-10 January 1957 NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco..." Contributed by MENTING, Peter ommapop@msn.com [02JUN2002]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00JAN57--In January 1957, VP-8 was involved in a three-way deployment at Quonset Point, Argentia, Nfld. and Port Lyautey, Morocco. Enroute to the latter destination, Al Smith and William Thomas piloted a P2V5F with Hap Arnold as Plane Captain and Tommy Thomas as radioman/technician. They flew direct from Quonset to Lajes in exactly 10 hours and landed with over three hours of fuel remaining..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "00SEP57--In September 1957, VP-8 returned home from a NATO ASW Barrier exercise in the Scotland/Norway/Iceland area. December, 1957, the tail code on the squadron's planes was changed to LC..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1955
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 Assists AF In Rescue - Page 15 - Naval Aviation News - December 1955..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1955/dec55.pdf [07AUG2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Below is a list of BuNos that appear in my old log book in connection with my time in Patrol Squadron Eight (11 APR 1955 to 15 FEB 1957). I haven't succeeded in remembering the tail numbers that were assigned to all these aircraft, but I would like to have them if anybody can come up with them..." Contributed by JAMISON, John W. pinstride@aol.com [16APR2001]
124819 P2V-5F
124865 HD-9 P2V-5F
124872 HD-12 P2V-5F
124876 P2V-5F
124879 P2V-5F
124902 P2V-5F
124905 P2V-5F
127720 P2V-5F
127729 HD-1 P2V-5F
127735 P2V-5F
127743 P2V-5F
127748 P2V-5F
128334 P2V-5
128336 P2V-5
128387 P2V-5
131414 P2V-5
131445 P2V-5
131502 P2V-5
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Below is a list of officers who served with me in VP-8 1955-57, along with their rank at the time. Some names may be missing. I would appreciate any additions or corrections, and I would enjoy hearing from anyone who served with me then. I have a few current mailing addresses and would like to have more. Asterisks indicate those men who are believed to be deceased..." Contributed by JAMISON, John W. pinstride@aol.com [16APR2001]
Bergstrom, Kenneth I., ENS
Biggs, R. W., W-1
Bogosian*, A. E. (Ed), LCDR
Bowers, Robert W. (Bob), LTJG
Boyer, WIlliam E., LTJG
Brescia, Louis, LTJG
Brogden, William H. (Hoyt), LTJG
Brown, J. R., ENS, (female admin officer)
Burnett , Louis R., CDR
Cote, Paul E., LTJG
Dassler, Edward M., LT
DeMontebello, G., ENS
DiCarlo, Vincent A., LTJG
DiNatale, A. F. (Skip), ENS
Dobbs, Al, LTJG
Doyle*, Thurlow G. ("T"), CDR
Fiene, Donald F. (Don), LTJG
Gardemal, Robert G., LCDR
Gaskin, Richard G., LT
Hart, Robert L., LTJG
Hebert, E. P., LT
Hogg, R. L., ENS
Holmbeck, Glenn E., ENS
Huber, Robert L. (Bob), LCDR
Huffman, Charles (Charlie), LT
Hughes, Ronald E., LTJG
Jamison, John W., LTJG
Josephson, J. V. (Joe), LT
Keating, John A., LCDR
Kinch, R. G., ENS
Kroszner*, Rudolf J. (Rudy), LTJG
Kucyk, Peter M., LTJG
Larson*, Conrad S. (Connie), LCDR
Law, Frederick H., LTJG
Levenson, Lee, LTJG
Lynch, Thomas, LTJG
McCalla, John, LT
McDowell, Curtis G., LTJG
McFawn, Lawrence (Larry), LCDR
McGinnis, B. J., LT
Meleski, D. R., ENS
Mitchell, D. F., LTJG
Moriarty, Jack O., LTJG
Moss, Elmo L, (Len), CDR
Newsom, Hugh M., ENS
O'Brien, Jr., Thomas L. (Tom), LTJG
Pate, J. A. (Jack), LCDR
Randall, H. W., LTJG
Rapp, Barney, LCDR
Resnick, J. H., ENS
Reyback, James M. (Jim), LT
Richards, D. B., ENS
Rodgers, Charles (Chuck), LT
Rusch*, John H., LTJG
Rushing, Les, LTJG
Schuller, Gordon J. (Dutch), LTJG
Sesow, Anthony. D. (Tony), LTJG
Sharer, Keith W., LT
Skomsky, Louis J. (Lou), LTJG
Smith, A. J. (Al), LT
Stromeyer, A. J., ENS
Thomas, William E. (Bill), CDR
Tobin, L. A., ENS
Townsley, J. W., LTJG
Watt, William M., ENS
A BIT OF HISTORY: "18MAR55--The following happened March 18-20 1955 as accounted by Charles Godby: "We had four of our aircraft rigged with APS-16 RADAR to evaluate for ultimate use in "Barrier Controls", later performed by "Willy Victors" WV-1 and WV-4 super connies (one of which is preserved and on display at Tinker Air Force Base). We competed in this RADAR evaluation with a squadron (P-2Vs) out of Jax who had all nine of their aircraft rigged with this AV-16 RADAR. Needless to say, we out-flew and out-performed and logged more hours with our four aircraft than they did with 9 aircraft on the simulated barriers between Argentia and the Azores. Two patrols were launched simultaneously - one flew at 10,000' (on oxygen all day) and one at 5,000' to fully provide a screen/barrier. The barrier was penetrated by friendly forces to provide for the evaluation. The RADAR did a fine job of detecting their penetration. On one occasion, Argentia was "socked in" with fog on our return and we were flying at 10,000' and given first opportunity to land. We made three passes and on the third pass landed (toward the water tower) between the runway and taxi-way, taking out all the little pine trees (6-8' tall) in our way. They stripped all of the antennae from under the aircraft including the Radome. The pilot skidded out both main- mounts and damaged both props. We reported this to GCA and the 2nd aircraft (VP- 8) was directed by GCA to land left of where we landed. GCA over-compensated and brought that aircraft into the GCA trailers, damaging the aircraft extensively on one wing, engine and forward fuselage. My crew and ground crew stripped this aircraft of its antennae, radome and one prop and fixed our aircraft for the next scheduled launch. We worked continuously that evening and all night up to launch time getting the aircraft ready - and all in about 2' of snow! that fell during this period. What a can-do spirit, huh? Miraculously, during all of this episode, no one was seriously hurt. The most serious injury was one of the GCA operators who knew the the 2nd aircraft was going to hit the GCA and he attempted to jump from between the two trailers about the time of impact. The trailer jack-knifed and he was caught,hanging by a leg wedged between the trailers - desperately yelling to all for help. He expected the aircraft to burst into flames/explode and burn him alive while hanging there. The runway crew released him and the rest is history. What excitement! What competition! Combat Crew 2: Pilot LCDR McPhawn; Navigator Pat Snauffer; Radioman Charles Williams; Plane Captain Joe Knoph; 1st Tech & Radar Operator Charles Godby assisted by AT1 Bryant and AT2 Ray Cole on this Radar evaluation mission. Other crew member's names escape me at this time although their faces are very vivid to me." Following is George Young's account of the above episode, taken from his log book: "The operation was called "Lantbex" and the date was March 13-20, 1955. The squadron was based at Quonset Point and had just returned from Operation "Spring Board" on March 7th from NS Roosevelt Roads, PR in Panama. The Argentia exercise was to test and evaluate the APS-20E radar utilizing aircraft, surface unites and sumbarines in extreme weather conditions. The Neptune Units were comprised of 3 aircraft from each of the various squadrons assigned to Fleet Air Wing 3. "Two VP-8 crews were back-up crews for two aircraft from another squadron. The weather brief was around 2300 for a midnight launch. The forecast weather for our return was 60` cross wind high winds gusts from 40-60 mph and glaze ice on the runway. The aerographer, a pilot, advised to abort. The two primary crews did abort and that made VP-8 the prime crews. The Wing Operation Officer threatened the crews with disciplinary action for not going so the VP-8 crews went. "The incident happened on the morning of March 18th. The aerologist's forecast was accurate - the weather conditions were everything he had forecast. Aircraft were stacked up waiting for their turn for an approach. I do not remember how long we held but we logged 8.9 hours. Because of extremely high westerly winds (higher than forecast) we didn't have enough fuel to go to an alternate. I was flying with Lt. Charley Huffman, the P2V ahead of us was piloted by Lt. Hal Jackson and copiloted by LTJG Bob Bowers. Unfortunately, I do not remember the flight crews because crews for this exercise were made up of personnel from various crews. "After Lt. Jackson slid off into the GCA unit the only aproach left was the old radio range approaoch. The only decent weather condition that morning was the ceiling was above range minimums. Since most aircraft did not have enough fuel to go to an alternate we all landed without the assist from the GCA Unit. The results of the accident were one GCA controller broke his leg and the P2V was a strike (I saw it a month later on a barge at Quonset Point on its way to the "bone yard".) "I will never forget Lt. Charlie Huffman during that landing. As cold as it as in the cockpit and as difficult landing as it was, he broke out into a sweat-dripping off his chin! After we stopped I looked over to congratulate him on a fine landing. He smiled and said, "Patience is a virtue." "The two crews that aborted were not disciplined - the Wing Ops Officer was!..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "22SEP55--...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "22SEP55--On 22 Sept. 1955 LCDR L.E. MacFawn, in charge of the VP-8 detachment assigned another rescue mission to Lt. Huffman and his crew to locate the floating Ice Island T-3. Through blowing snow they found the island and by means of an airborne homer succeeded in vectoring two ski-equipped Air Force C- 47's to the location...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1954
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 Hits High Mark - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - September 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/sep54.pdf [02AUG2004]
Circa 1954
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-8 Hits High Mark - Page 29 - Naval Aviation News - September 1954..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1954/sep54.pdf [02AUG2004]
Circa 1953
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 Officer Takes Post As Flag Secetary "...I was attached to VU-2 from 1951-1954. NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island Scout - March 10, 1953 - Page 1. Best Regards..." Contributed by DAUMANN, Hank BEEBAA2001@aol.com [12JUN2005]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Navy Pinch-Hits For USAF - Page 32 - Naval Aviation News - September 1953..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1953/sep53.pdf [31JUL2004]
Circa 1952 - 1953
P2 Neptune Deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Neptune Deployments to NAS Keflavik, Iceland..." WebSite: The Lockheed P2V Neptune http://www.verslo.is/baldur/p2/kef_p2s.htm [21MAR2001]The information here has been updated from my old list with additional information from the DICTIONARY OF AMERICAN NAVAL AVIATION SQUADRONS—Volume 2. Available from the Naval Historical Center at this address: http://www.history.navy.mil/branches/dictvol2.htm. It is believed to be fairly complete as to actual deployments, but may be lacking in details as to short time detachments and exercises. All comments welcome. Send any comments to: Baldur@verslo.is
Circa 1952
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FAETULAN, FAW-3, FAW-5, FAW-11, VP-3, VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-34, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49, VP-661, VP-741 and VP-861) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1953 dated 1 October 1952 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1953-oct52.pdf [14MAR2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...3 Squadrons Safety Leaders - Page 35 - Naval Aviation News - May 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/may52.pdf [26JUL2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Sudden Cloudburst Gave VP-8 Men Raft Training Right On Runway - Page 4 - Naval Aviation News - March 1952..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1952/mar52.pdf [25JUL2004]
Circa 1950
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...Gun Driving Spring Failure - Page 38 - Naval Aviation News - September 1950..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1950/sep50.pdf [21JUL2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...VP-8 Claims Patrol Mark - Page 10 - Naval Aviation News - July 1950..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1950s/1950/jul50.pdf [20JUL2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  "...FAW-3 Inspection - VP-7, FASRON-101, stand-by inspection 29 June 1950 when RADM Edgar A. Cruise assumed command of FAW-3..." The Neptunes Squadron Book - August 1950 [15MAY2002]
Circa 1948 - 1991
A BIT OF HISTORY: " CD-ROM: Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Vol. 2 Stock No. 008-046-00195-2 The History of VP, VPB, VP(HL), and VP(AM) Naval Historical Center, Department Of The Navy, Washington, D. C...." [15JUN2000]
CHAPTER 3 Patrol Squadron (VP) Histories VP-8 456KB
Circa 1948
A BIT OF HISTORY: UNIT: VP-8 PREVIOUS DES: VP-ML-8 NAME: Tigers TAIL CODE: EP/HD/LB ACTIVATED: 9-1-48 DEACTIVATED: TYPICAL LOCATION(S): NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island / NAS Chincoteague, Virginia / NAS Patuxent River, Maryland
 "Title: Lockheed P2V Neptune An Illustrated History by Wayne Mutza wmutza@wi.rr.com...A Schiffer Military History Book...ISBN: 0-7643-0151-9...286 pages full of pictures and history!
Circa 1943
A BIT OF HISTORY: "1943-1944--On May 25, 1943, six aircraft and crews were sent to Bermuda to extend their protective cover to the central Atlantic. Day and night patrols, sometimes reaching 800 miles from home base and lasting 12 to 18 hours, were flown. Normally, convoys were covered in a radius of 500 miles from Bermuda. On 12 June 1943, these aircraft were relieved by six others of VP-201 and the original six returned to Norfolk. First action against the enemy came on 8 July 1943. A submarine was sighted at a distance of about twelve miles and in the ensuing attack the aircraft was hit in the bomb bay, making it impossible to drop depth charges. The hit was severe enough to require jettisoning of all dispensable equipment and the plane was forced to leave the area before reinforcements arrived. In August the entire squadron moved to Bermuda under the administrative control of the Commander Bermuda Air Group. Because most of the original crew was replaced by inexperienced personnel, an intensive training period followed. In September the squadron transferred to the command of Fleet Air Wing Nine for training in night operations and in January 1944 returned to anti-submarine operations flying from 35 to 40% of their patrols during the hours of darkness. One year later, VP-201 returned to Norfolk after flying approximately 15,235 hours. After a two week refresher course in Anti-Submarine Warfare in Key West, and one month rehabilitation leave, VP-201 was sent to the Canal Zone for temporary duty with Fleet Air Wing Three under Commander Panama Sea Frontier. There, routine patrols were conducted northeast of the Isthmus of Panama. A short time later it was returned to Key West. By January 1, 1945, 27,873 hours were flown. On 1 October 1944 the designation of the squadron was changed to Patrol Bombing Squadron 201 (VPB-201) and in May of 1945 the squadron was returned to the Canal Zone, arriving at NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone on 2 June 1945 where it remained until 15 May 1946 when it was reverted back to VP-201 on 1 October 1946. At that time it was shifted to San Juan, Puerto Rico. VPB-201 was redesignated Medium Seaplane Squadron One (VP-MS-1) on 15 Nov 1946. 2 June 1947 found the squadron at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, and then at Quonset Point with no aircraft until 1948. It was now a land based unit so its designation was chanaged to VPML-8 on 5 June 1947. Consequently, with no aircraft, the men were "kidnapped" for duty on the three carriers homeported there at the time. Meanwhile, the new Lockheed P2V (P-2) was being tested to its fullest and on 29 September 1946, one of the aircraft named "The Turtle" and its crew boldly took off to set a flight distance record that would stand for 16 years..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1942
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 History "...My grandfather, HORRIGAN, LCDR Clement V., and his aircraft are mentioned in Track of the Gray Wolf: U-Boat Warfare on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, 1942-1945 about their interaction with German U-Boat 85..." Contributed by HORRIGAN, LCDR Clement V. c/o His Grandson David H. Kowalskidavid.kowalski2@verizon.net [19FEB2003]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...[Global Security] WebSite http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/vp-8.htm..." [04JAN2002]
Patrol Squadron EIGHT was commissioned in September 1942 as Patrol Squadron 201 in Norfolk, Virginia. During World War II, VP-201 flew more than 28,000 hours in the sea-based PBM "Mariner" from Norfolk, Key West, Bermuda, and the Panama Canal Zone combating the German submarines that were threatening allied shipping throughout the Atlantic.
In June 1947, the squadron moved to Quonset Point, Rhode Island and began to operate the land-based P-2V "Neptune" aircraft. With the move and transition, the squadron was redesignated Medium Patrol Squadron EIGHT and in September 1948, the squadron received its current designation, Patrol Squadron EIGHT. In 1950, VP-8 was awarded its first Battle "E".
In March 1958, the squadron changed its homeport to Chincoteague, Virginia. Throughout the remainder of the Fifties, the squadron actively participated in the evolution of antisubmarine warfare, including development and evaluation of new tactics and equipment. Their success in improving antisubmarine warfare was recognized with the awarding of a second Battle "E" in 1960.
Patrol Squadron EIGHT moved to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland in July 1961. After relinquishing the last of its P-2Vs to the U. S. Naval Reserve in October 1962, VP-8 became the fleet's first operational P-3A "Orion" squadron.
Following extensive operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and detachments to Iceland, Ireland, Newfoundland, Argentina, Bermuda, and other Caribbean locations, the VP-8 Tigers were awarded their third Battle "E" and the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for excellence in airborne ASW.
The squadron's first deployment to the Western Pacific occurred in June 1966 when it deployed to Naval Station Sangley Point, Republic of the Philippines. During this deployment, VP-8 flew combat missions throughout Southeast Asia in support of Commander, Seventh Fleet.
From 1969 to 1974, the squadron made numerous deployments to Bermuda. In July 1971, Patrol Squadron EIGHT was transferred to its present homeport at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. In February 1976, the squadron returned to Brunswick after a split-site deployment to Rota, Spain and Lajes, Azores. As a result of their outstanding airborne ASW exploits throughout the Atlantic, VP-8 received the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
During February through August 1978, the Fighting Tigers again conducted a split-site deployment to Bermuda and Lajes, Azores. Due to their deployment achievments throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean AORs, the squadron was awarded the Navy Unit Commandation. Patrol Squadron EIGHT ended the Seventies with a split-site deployment to Rota/Lajes. From July to December 1979, the Tigers operated out of 12 different sites from the Equator to Iceland and were awarded a second Meritorious Unit Commendation.
After successful completion of another Rota/Lajes deployment in October 1980, Commander, Sixth Fleet awarded the Tigers the "Hook'em" Award in recognition of exceptional ASW operations. VP-8 was the last Atlantic Fleet squadron to fly the P-3B aircraft. During the early 1980s Patrol Squadron EIGHT made numerous deployments to Bermuda and Sigonella, Sicily. These successful deployments earned VP-8 the 1983 Battle "E" Award, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and another Sixth Fleet "Hook'em" Award. The late Eighties again found Patrol Squadron EIGHT deployed to Rota and Lajes. VP-8's success during these deployments earned them their fourth Isbell Trophy, the third in ten years, and one more Sixth Fleet "Hook'em" Award.
In December 1990, the squadron deployed to the Central Mediterranean in support of national interests in the region. The Tigers operated out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during Operations Desert Shield and Storm. This conflict reemphasized the multi-mission capabilities of the P-3C in coordinated operations with the Carrier Battle Group. In addition, the Tigers continued to prove their effectiveness against front line soviet submarines in the Mediterranean and Atlantic and were awarded another "Hook'em" Award by Commander, Sixth Fleet. In recognition of their outstanding performance in 1991, VP-8 was awarded its fifth Battle "E".
In July 1992, Patrol Squadron EIGHT began a seven month split-site deployment to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and Rota, Spain. Operating out of Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, the Tigers flew over 6,000 hours in support of counternarcotic operations. Simultaneously, VP-8 aircrews flew in support of Sixth Fleet operations in the Mediterranean and established numerous other detachment sites including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Key West, Florida; Sigonella, Sicily; and Lajes, Azores. The squadron returned to Brunswick in January 1993 completing their second consecutive year of flying over 8,000 hours, the highest in the Atlantic Fleet. This deployment marked the 30th anniversary of the Lockheed "Orion" and highlighted its valuable multi-mission versatility to the Navy and Joint Task Forces.
On 14 October 1993, Patrol Squadron EIGHT reached a historic milestone of 100,000 hours of accident free flying. During this home cycle, Tiger aircrews detached and flew numerous missions in the Adriatic Sea, Iceland, and Turkey culminating in the first ever Black Sea ASW mission. Patrol Squadron EIGHT returned to Puerto Rico in January 1994 and established detachments at Howard AFB, Panama and Soto Cano, Honduras. They flew nearly 5,000 hours of counternarcotic operations resulting in the seizure of 12,000 kilograms of cocaine and marijuana valued at over a quarter of a billion dollars.
In January 1995, Patrol Squadron EIGHT was awarded its first CINCLANTFLT Golden Anchor Award for outstanding personnel retention. This also marked the first time a patrol squadron had won this prestigious award since 1985. In January 1996, Patrol Squadron EIGHT returned from another Sigonella deployment where they flew more than 900 sorties and 6,000 hours in support of Operations Sharp Guard and Decisive Enhancement. VP-8 was again recognized for their ASW prowess by being awarded the Isbell Trophy by Commander, Patrol Wings Atlantic.
A six-month Mediterranean deployment by Patrol Squadron Eight ended 10 August 1997. While deployed to the Mediterranean, the Tigers flew more than 100 Operation Deliberate Guard surveillance missions supporting Stabilization Force peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia. Additionally, VP-8 conducted 42 missions in support of Operation Silver Wake, which contributed directly to the safe evacuation of 889 personnel from Albania. VP-8 aircrews flew more than 4,000 operational flight hours during the six-month period; made possible by the Tiger maintenance team's upkeep of nine P-3C aircraft. Patrol Squadron Eight participated in 27 multinational exercises; including detachments to South Africa, Spain, Crete, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Iceland. The Tigers showcased their undersea and surface warfare skills while working with Mediterranean allies and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) Battle Groups. VP-8 participated in NATO's Partnership for Peace exercises Cooperative Banners and BALTOPS 97. During their deployment the Tigers accomplished a 98 percent mission completion rate and an incident-free safety record. In addition to supporting high-tempo operations, the Tigers assisted the local Italian community. Throughout the deployment, squadron members lent a helping hand at the Pecorino Institute, a Sicilian orphanage, performing facility maintenance and various odd jobs.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "01SEP42--On 1 September 1942, an antisubmarine patrol squadron equipped with PBM-3 Mariner Type aircraft was formed at NAS Norfolk, Virginia to combat the submarine menace to Allied shipping in the Atlantic Ocean. The squadron was designated Patrol Squadron 201 and attached to Fleet Air Wing FIVE. Its insignia during World War II was that of a flying whale with a Nazi sub crushed within its jaws created by a yeoman by the name of C.E. Charevin...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "NAS Brunswick, Maine's Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) was initially established as VP-201 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia on 1 Sep 1942. Assigned to Fleet Air Wing Five (FAW-5) the squadron was equipped with Martin PBM-3S Mariners. VP-201 moved to NAS Banana River, FL on 6 Oct to undergo training until it returned to Norfolk on 6 Feb 1943 as a unit of Task Force 28 to provide antisubmarine warfare cover for Allied shipping convoys crossing the Atlantic. On 8 July 1943, the squadron's first-sighted enemy submarine struck the VP-201 PBM in the bomb-bay with anti-aircraft fire. The Mariner was forced home to Bermuda without dropping its depth charges. However, in the 28 month period from establishment to 1 Jan 1945, the squadron flew 27,873 hours without loss of an aircraft or serious injury to personnel. Beginning the Navy's quick-switch designation program of the 1940s, VP-201 was redesignated VPB-201 on 1 Oct 1944, only to be reverted to VP-201 on 15 May 1946 when it was moved to San Juan PR, returning to Norfolk on 2 June 1947 where it was then designated VP-MS-1 on 15 Nov 1946. It next became VP-ML-8 on 5 June 1947 and became a land-based unit at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. It briefly flew Lockheed PV-2 Harpoons before transitioning to Lockheed's P2V-2 Neptune between 1947 and February 1948 before finally becoming VP-8 on 1 Sept. 1948, homebased at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island. During its wartime service, the squadron flew antisubmarine warfare missions from Norfolk, Bermuda, Coco Solo and Canal Zone. The squdron flew a variety of the P2V from NAS Chincoteague, Virginia where it moved in March 1958 and then to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland in July 1961. During August 1962, VP-8 became the first operational squadron to get the Lockheed P3V-1 (P3A) Orion. The unit finally moved to Brunswick in July 1971. For more than 50 years, Tiger air crews have flown a variety of missions throughout the Eastern Hemisphere, inluding combat missions in World War II, Vietnam, and the Gulf War. The squadron also monitored Soviet ships during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. VP-8's performance has netted the squadron several Battle Efficiency "Es," the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Captain Jay Isbell Trophy as the Navy's best anti-submarine warfare squadron. VP-8 is still in commission and now flies the P-3C. It recently returned from a deployment to Signorella." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "01SEP42--On 1 September 1942, an antisubmarine patrol squadron equipped with PBM-3 Mariner Type aircraft was formed at NAS Norfolk, Virginia to combat the submarine menace to Allied shipping in the Atlantic Ocean. The squadron was designated Patrol Squadron 201 and attached to Fleet Air Wing FIVE. Its insignia during World War II was that of a flying whale with a Nazi sub crushed within its jaws created by a yeoman by the name of C.E. Charevin...." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
A BIT OF HISTORY: "06SEP42--6 October 1942, VP-201 moved to NAS Banana River (Fla.) where it engaged in training operations until 6 February 1943 when it returned to Norfolk and became part of Task Force 28 in the Eastern Sea Frontier. Its mission was to provide air coverage and anti-submarine sweeps for shipping and convoys to the European Theater. On flying days, VP-201 maintained 75% aircraft availability for these coverage and sweeps....." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1940
A BIT OF HISTORY: "1940/1950--During the late 1940s the squadron was without planes for quite a while, and the Navy was even shipping the poor enlisted men to sea on the home-ported ships there to make sure they earned their wonderful pay, I guess. Paul Hartmann was CO at the time - now a retired RADM in McLean, VA. Then the XO, Hank Lloyd (now deceased) took the helm. VP-8, under the command of Cdr. Hank Lloyd, was officially presented with the Battle Efficiency Pennant in August 1950 for their outstanding performance during the fiscal year. This same year the insignia of King Neptune riding the Earth and dropping a bomb was approved. With the squadron riding high on the laurels of their 1950 accomplishment, they carried out their assigned operational training and deployment commitments in true VP-8 style and in the fall of 1952 were once again cited for their outstanding participation in Operations GANNET in the Azores. Commendations from the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Commander Air Force. U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Commander Fleet Air Wings, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and Commander Fleet Air Wing Three were received for this operation. For ten and one-half years the squadron was home-ported at Quonset Point Naval Air Station, during that time having its share of both warm and cold weather operations consisting of lengthy tours in Argentia, Newfoundland, the Mediterranean, Iceland, and the Caribbean areas. Although the primary mission of the squadron was Anti-Submarine Warfare, the squadron had numerous opportunities to prove that patrol squadrons, and theirs in particular, are well suited to carry out related tasks such as Search and Rescue. Plus they were also busy in the Northland with ice reconnaissance flights to obtain data for the Hydrographic Office in Washington D.C., and supplied tactical support for ships carrying supplies to the DEW Line sites. Their main site of deployment was Argentia, Newfoundland and occasionally to Iceland. In April 1954 the squadron left for five month deployment to Port Lyautey, French Morocco. CDR L.R. Burnett relieved CDR Bookout as C.O. on 16 June, 1954 in Port Lyauty. The squadron was temporarily based on the island of Crete in August 1954 while participating in NATO exercises. While on Crete it flew twelve to fifteen hour mining and convoy escort missions. Other operations and deployments were Operation SPRINGBOARD in NS Roosevelt Roads, PR ; Goose Bay, Labrador, Frobisher Bay, N.W.T., and Thule, Greenland. The first rescue of VP-8 took place off the east coast of Greenland and involved a Danish freighter restricted by ice drifts. The second was in search of several Air Force scientists stranded on a floating island in Baffin Bay. Another rescue involved the Norwegian sealing vessel "Jopeter," with 16 crewman and 19 passengers. The ship was caught in an ice pack. CDR Louis R. Brunee, C.O. assigned Lt. Edward M. Dassler and his crew to do the job. Navigator was LtJG Curtis G. McDowell; co-pilot was Lt. John H. McCalla, and 2nd navigator was Ens. Vincent A. DiCarlo. The enlisted crew were: George Brantley, AD1; Herbert F. Willis, AD2; Wm. A. Cross, AT1; Leon M. Magill, AT2; James E. Sjogren, AT3; John J. Daley, ATAN; and Harry W. Gaspar, AO1. The plane iced up from a severe storm and after more than five hours the vessel was finally sighted. Lt. Dassler made a pass at the vessel at 50 ft. above the water, and with bomb bay doors open, Lt. Dassler salvoed the emergency equipment, but only two packs blossomed down to the ship. The third hung up on an inoperative bomb shackle. The release device would not work. Disregarding his own safety, Harry Gaspar crawled back into the open bomb bay and clinging to rack supports, prepared to manually release the pack on the next pass. Once directly over the ship, he released the last rescue pack. With help from the Air Force, the ship's crew were eventually evacuated. As a result of these rescue flights, CDR Burnett, the squadron commander, recommended that Lt. Dassler, Lt. Huffman, and Harry Gaspar, AO1, be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the remaining personnel in Crews 3 and 10 be awarded the Air Medal. These were Crew 10: Lt. J.E. McCalla, LtJg, C.G. McDowell; Ens. V.A. DiCarlo; George M. Brantley, AD1, W.A. Cross, AT1, L.M. Magill, AT1; H.F. Willis, AD2; J.E. Sjogren, AT3, and J.J. Daley, ATAN. Crew 3: LtJG R.W. Bowers; LtJG L.J. Skomsky; H.R. Eaton, ALC; R.F. Lussier, AT3; W.R. Patterson, AO2, and G.H. Nugent, ADAN..." Contributed by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!!
Circa 1939
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...U. S. S. Avocet..." WebSite: History Central http://www.historycentral.com/navy/Minelayer/Avocet.html [19NOV2006]
Avocet spent the first six months of 1939 operating out of Pearl Harbor, interspersing the routine local evolutions with advanced base maneuvers-once at Hilo, twice at Midway, and once at French Frigate Shoals-and an inspection of Lisianski Island. During this time Capt. Whiting again flew his pennant briefly in Avocet and the ship supported VP-4, VP-6, VP-8 and VP-10 at varying times.
Sailing from Pearl Harbor on 23 June 1939 for San Diego, Avocet arrived at her destination on Independence Day having planeguarded for VP-1 en route. Now assigned to PatWing 1, the seaplane tender remained at San Diego until late August, at which time she shifted to San Pedro. The outbreak of war in Europe on 1 September 1939 found the ship moored alongside the submarine tender Argonne (AS-10) for upkeep. For the remainder of 1939, Avocet was based at the NAS North Island, San Diego, California, occasionally sup supporting advance base operations at San Pedro and Pyramid Cove off the island of San Clemente.
Circa 1937
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...U. S. S. Avocet..." WebSite: History Central http://www.historycentral.com/navy/Minelayer/Avocet.html [18NOV2006]
...Subsequently transporting passengers to Kahului and Hilo, Avocet tended VP-1 at the latter port from 23 to 31 August 1937 before she returned briefly to Pearl Harbor. She sailed thence for French Frigate Shoals on 1 September, and tended, in succession, VP-8, VP-10, VP-6 and VP-4, until 19 September, at which point she returned to the Fleet Air Base. She remained at Pearl Harbor until 15 October, when she sailed for American Samoa...
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aeronautic Organization - Change In - Fiscal Year 1938 - Dated 24 Sep 1937..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [25SEP2006]
VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED
VP-1, VP-2, VP-3, VP-4, VP-5, VP-6, VP-7, VP-8 and VP-9
VP-10, VP-11, VP-12, VP-14, VP-15, VP-16, VP-17 and VP-19
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval Aeronautic Organization - Fiscal Year 1938 - Dated 7 May 1937..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/ [25SEP2006]
VP SQUADRONS MENTIONED
VP-1, VP-2, VP-3, VP-4, VP-5, VP-6, VP-7, VP-8 and VP-9
VP-10, VP-11, VP-12, VP-14, VP-15, VP-16, VP-17 and VP-19
Circa 1932
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-8 PM-1 "...Came from yahoo group. USNavy Aircraft Group..." Contributed by KOONTS, AT2 Billy billkoonts@aol.com [02AUG2002]
Circa 1925
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...USS Avocet I (AM-19/AVP-4) - (Passages pertaining to VP squadrons)..." Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ships/dafs/AVP/avp4.html [03MAR2003]
Avocet's inactivity, however, lasted only a little over three years. Reconditioned for service at Cavite, the ship was recommissioned on 8 September 1925, Lt. Grady B. Whitehead in command. Avocet was recommissioned to serve as an "auxiliary aircraft tender", assigned to the Asiatic Fleet's air squadrons.
Avocet then operated out of the Fleet Air Base, Pearl Harbor, through early April 1933, local operations punctuated only by upkeep in the navy yard. She sailed independently for French Frigate Shoals on 15 April, anchoring there on the 17th to commence advanced base operations--the first such evolutions for Pearl Harbor-based flying boats. She got underway on the 19th to reach her plane-guard station, and soon logged in the arrival of 30 flying boats from Patrol Squadrons VP-1, VP-4 and VP-6. She supported VP-6, providing berthing and messing facilities for the squadron's officers and men, over the next several days, out of French Frigate Shoals, until recovering the seaplane moorings and breaking camp on 28 and 29 April. She sailed the latter day for Pearl Harbor in company with the small seaplane tender Pelican (AVP-6). Arriving back at the Fleet Air Base on 2 May, Avocet operated locally for the remainder of the year 1933, acting as plane guard for familiarization flights, night flying, and, on one occasion, salvaged the wreckage of a crashed Douglas PD-1 flying boat from VP-9, during August 1933, recovering the body of one of the pilots and parts of the aircraft.
Avocet plane-guarded the last leg of the inbound flight of the new Consolidated P2Y flying boats of VP-10 as they arrived at Pearl Harbor on 11 January 1939, and then operated locally until heading for Kahului, Hawaii, with the seaplane tender USS Wright (AV-1), on 20 January.
Underway for Corinto, Nicaragua, on 3 April, Avocet tended the Martin PM-1 flying boats from VP-7F and VP-9F from 13 to 15 April, and briefly served as the flagship for Rear Admiral Alfred W. Johnson, Commander, Aircraft, Base Force, while at Corinto.
One highlight of this period came on 10 May when Avocet received word that one of VP-9F's planes had been forced down, and was under tow of a merchant ship, SS Prospector. Underway from the Bay of Caldera at 1304 on 10 May, the ship rendezvoused with Prospector at 2238, and at 0040 on the 11th, first took the Martin PM-1 under tow and then hoisted it on board for repairs later that day.
Again she served briefly as Rear Admiral Johnson's flagship in August, 1934, and provided VP-9F with berthing and messing facilities while at Cordova.
Arriving on 8 May, this advanced party, despite "rain squalls and continued bad weather," succeeded in "skillfully and expeditiously" accomplishing its task. over the days following, Avocet supported seaplane operations out of Midway, accommodating men from VP-8 on board during this time.
She returned to Johnston Island later the same month, and supported advanced base operations there with VP-4, there and at Pearl and Hermes Reef.
Subsequently transporting passengers to Kahului and Hilo, Avocet tended VP-1 at the latter port from 23 to 31 August 1937 before she returned briefly to Pearl Harbor. She sailed thence for French Frigate Shoals on 1 September, and tended, in succession, VP-8, VP-10, VP-6 and VP-4, until 19 September, at which point she returned to the fleet air base.
March 1938--returned to French Frigate Shoals on 23 March 1938, supporting advanced base evolutions of VP-8; during this time she took on board gasoline from the submarine Nautilus (SS-168). Departing French Frigate Shoals on 28 March, Avocet proceeded directly to the village of Makua, on the coast of Oahu, and arrived on the 30th. The following morning she attempted the salvage of a crashed flying boat of VP-4, recovering the body of a radioman; she hoisted the wreckage of the plane on board on 1 April.
Before the year 1938 was out, Avocet conducted two periods of advanced base operations at Midway, tending VP-6 from 25 to 27 July and VP-4 between 25 to 27 October.
Avocet spent the first six months of 1939 operating out of Pearl Harbor, interspersing the routine local evolutions with advanced base maneuvers-once at Hilo, twice at Midway, and once at French Frigate Shoals--and an inspection of Lisianski Island. During this time Capt. Whiting again flew his pennant briefly in Avocet and the ship supported VP-4, VP-6, VP-8 and VP-10 at varying times.
Sailing from Pearl Harbor on 23 June 1939 for San Diego, Avocet arrived at her destination on Independence Day, having plane-guarded for VP-1 en route.
Performing plane-guard duties en route, Avocet arrived at Pearl Harbor on 9 April, and got underway for French Frigate Shoals four days later, to establish an advanced base for the Consolidated PBY flying boats of VP-24 as part of the "Maroon" fleet in Part VI of Fleet Problem XXI, the last of the large-scale fleet maneuvers.
With all of VP-24 in the air to conducted search missions on the 20th, the seaplane tender found herself alone when a formation of "Purple" cruiser-based scout planes arrived overhead.
For the rest of the summer, Avocet and USS Curtiss (AV-4) , and then tended VP-22 at Hilo.
Circa Unknown
Can you identify the Month and or Year?
"The Gear Pin Story by Richard A. Hoffman, Captain, USN (Ret) dickdot@san.rr.com" Submitted by Beth Perry (E-Mail Removed By Request) NEWSLETTER: "VP-8 Alumni Association" World War II Stories, and more!!! [19APR98]
The events of this little tale were a little embarassing to the crew involved at the time, and they could have been career-ending for me, but fortunately for all involved, VP-8 spirit and humor saved the day. If anything, VP-8's reputation gained in stature because of the way in which our shipmates handled the situation.
As you know, VP-8 was the first Atlantic squadron to deploy to the Far East in support of the Viet Nam effort. Our arrival was the occasion for a lot of the Pacific VP Community to question as to whether or not this Atlantic outfit could cut the mustard in the very different Pacific environment. It didn't take long for the question to be answered: VP-8 was a top-notch performer capable of performing any and all assigned missions.
We got along very well with the Fleet Air Wing Commander, Captain Dave Kendrick. In the course of a normal reassignment, Captain Kendrick was relieved by Captain Les Barco. The good news was that Captain Barco had been skipper of an Atlantic squadron, so we were spared the task of reproving ourselves. But Commodore Barco ran a taut ship. He demanded performance and he did not suffer fools lightly. That was fine with VP-8 and our operations continued to run like clockwork.
Things were going so well and nothing was on the schedule except a routine, midnight takeoff Market Time mission to be flown by one of my most reliable PPCs, Lieutenant Commander Hal Taylor, so I decided to take a night off and go to Manila for a party at the Army Navy Club. It was a great party and I arrived back at Sangley Point in the wee hours and probably a bit worse for wear. I was just about to settle in my bunk when the XO came in and told me that we had a problem. It seems that the scheduled aircraft launched on time but when it got airborne the PPC could not get the wheels up. Because of airspeed and manuevering limitations , flying the assigned mission with the gear down was impossible and it was necessary to launch the backup "Ready Alert " aircraft.
The supposition was that the "gear pins": steel pins which prevented the landing gear from being retracted on the ground had not been removed. There were three of these pins on each aircraft and each was attached to a long red cloth streamer which read "Remove Before Flight".
The uninitiated might think "no problem", all the PPC had to do was land, remove the pins and go about his business. But it wasn't that easy. The patrol had taken off at Maximum Take-Off Gross Weight, which was far heavier than the allowed landing weight. A landing at Maximum Gross Weight was permitted in an emergency, but after such a landing the aircraft had to be grounded until an extensive structural examination was performed. Since our early P3s were not equipped with afuel dumping system, the PPC could not land until enough fuel was burned off to bring the aircraft down to a permissible landing weight. Therefore the aircraft was orbiting over Sangley Point burning fuel and I was informed the landing-gear-down aircraft planned to land about 0730.
The squadron duty personnel had handled the situation in a professional manner and the assigned mission was covered. In fact, Crew THREE, Lt Ed Weiss PPC, had launched within 15 minutes of receiving orders and had arrived on station on time. Since there was nothing more I could do, I turned in.
The next morning I arrived at the mess to find the Commodore in a state of high dungeon.. To say the least, he was not a happy camper! He told me I was to accompany him the the flight line to greet our errant brother-and the inference was that the PPC and I would be the subjects of a world class reaming! I can't say I enjoyed my breakfast. Finally the Commodore gruffly said "come with me" and we drove in silence to the flight line. As we drove along, my mind was occupied with making plans for a new career, since this incident seemed to spell the end of any future that I might have had in the Navy.
When we got to the flight line we were greeted by an amazing sight. The entire squadron was there and each and every man jack was waving a red streamer which said "Remove Before Flight". I didn't know that there were that many red streamers in all of Sangley Point. As poor Hal and Crew 8 taxiied in, they received a royal rassing from the whole squadron. The ramp was covered with VP-8ers yelling and wildly waving red streamers and they formed a gauntlet through which the embarassed crew had to pass as they left the aircraft. (For a long time the PPC stayed in the cockpit with his face covered-I thought I would have to send the Shore Patrol to get him out.) I must admit my first thought that this seemingly frivolous display would make things worse: that Commodore Barco would think VP-8 did not take its responsibilities seriously. The Commodore stood watching the proceedings with a stoney face until all of a sudden he broke into a big grin and said it was the damdest thing he had ever seen. With a big smile he turned to me and said: "You guys know how to handle things" and then he got in his sedan and drove away.
For the rest of the deployment, Commodore Barco was VP-8's biggest fan and he and I became pretty good personal friends.
In reviewing this tale with Hal, I found that it was LCDR Wil Roberts who had the bright idea to pass out the gear pins and streamers to the crew. During the night, while Hal was circling over Sangley, Wil got every "Remove Before Flight" streamer in Sangley Point Supply and arranged for an early muster so the whole crew would be on hand. Furthermore, Wil had a forty-foot red "Remove Before Flight" banner made and draped over the squadron Quonset. Hal said that he saw the banner while on final approach and knew he was in for it. Thanks Wil!
Wil continued to stick it to his friend Hal. On the transpac returning from Sangley, Wil preceded Hal and at every field along the way: Guam, Barber's Point and Patuxent, whenever LC-8 asked for landing instructions, the tower asked: "Is this the fixed gear P-3?".
There is a little sequel to the story. In 1972 while visiting NAS Moffett , I found outthat Hal, now CO of VP-19, was returning from deployment that very day. I went out to the flight line to join the welcoming committee and while we were waiting for him to taxi in, I "borrowed" a gear pin complete with a "Remove Before Flight" streamer which I rolled up and hid in my right hand. After the official welcome was over and after he hugged Greta and the kids, I went over to offer my congratulations on his successful deployment. As I shook his hand, I slipped him the gear pin. I swear he blushed! [19APR98]
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