VP-31

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Patrol Squadron 31
Vp-31.jpg
VP-31 Unit Insignia
Active30 June 1960 – 1 November 1993
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  United States of America
BranchFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  United States Navy
Type Squadron
RoleTraining replacement aircrew and maintenance personnel for all Pacific fleet maritime patrol squadrons
Part of United States Navy
Garrison/HQ Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Sunnyvale, California
Nickname(s)Genies (1962–1971)
Black Lightnings (1971–1993)
Decorations Meritorious Unit Commendation
Aircraft flown
Patrol P2V-5/SP-2E P2V-7/SP-2H
P5M-2/SP-5B
R5D-5/VC-54S
R7V-1/C-121J
UF-1/SHU-16B
P-3A/B/C/TP-3A

VP-31, Patrol Squadron 31 was a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy. [1] It was established on 30 June 1960 to train replacement aircrew and maintenance personnel. It was disestablished on 1 November 1993. [2]

Contents

Insignia

The only insignia for VP-31 was approved on 25 July 1962, and was selected to represent the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training program used to educate patrol squadron aircrew of FAW-14. The central figure of the design was a submarine at the focal point of four beams from on high. Above the submarine was a magic lamp from which issued a wisp of smoke. The lamp signified the squadron's original nickname, the Genies. The design was circular, with a scroll at the bottom containing the designation Patrol Squadron Thirty One. Colors: outline of design, lamp and beams, silver and gold; lamp and submarine trim, red; central portion of beams, cream; background of design and submarine, deep blue. The squadron's nickname was Genies from 1962–1971 and Black Lightnings from 1971–1993.

History

VP-31 P5M-2 in 1962 P5M-2 VP-31 in flight June 1962.jpeg
VP-31 P5M-2 in 1962
VP-31 SHU-16B at NAS North Island in the 1960s HU-16B (ASW) Albatross of VP-31 at NAS North Island in 1960s.jpg
VP-31 SHU-16B at NAS North Island in the 1960s
VP-31 P-3A dropping a torpedo VP-31 P-3A TORPEDO WEB (4831822189).jpg
VP-31 P-3A dropping a torpedo
VP-31 P-3s over the Golden Gate Bridge in 1989 P-3A DN-SC-04-08807.JPEG
VP-31 P-3s over the Golden Gate Bridge in 1989

Home port assignments

The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown: [2]

Aircraft assignment

The squadron first received the following aircraft on the dates shown: [2]

See also

References

  1. This article is about the 1960s-90s training squadron, not the 1940s VPB-31 anti-submarine patrol squadron which operated from Key West.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Roberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2, Chapter 3 Patrol Squadron (VP) Histories (2nd VP-29 to 1st VP-40). Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. pp. 204–8. Archived from the original on 23 January 2015. Retrieved 2 June 2016.