VP-62 (1970–present)

Last updated

Patrol Squadron 62
VP-62.png
VP-62 insignia
Active1 November 1970 - present
CountryFlag of the United States.svg  United States of America
Allegiance Naval Air Force Reserve.png Naval Air Force Reserve
BranchFlag of the United States Navy (official).svg  United States Navy
Type Squadron
Role Maritime patrol and reconnaissance
Part ofMaritime Support Wing
Garrison/HQNAS Jacksonville, Florida
Nickname(s)Broadarrows
Aircraft flown
Patrol SP-2H
P-3A / P-3B / P-3C
P-8A

Patrol Squadron 62 (VP-62) is a combat aviation squadron of the Naval Air Force Reserve. Since 31 July 2015, the squadron has been assigned to Commander, Maritime Support Wing, an Echelon IV organization under the Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve. [1] Nicknamed the Broadarrows, the squadron flies the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from its home station of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, deploying worldwide. The squadron's aircraft can be identified by the stylized letters "LT" on the vertical stabilizer, the letter "L" being common to all U.S. Atlantic Fleet patrol aircraft, either Regular Navy or Navy Reserve, and the letter "T" being unique to VP-62. The stylized "LT" is also incorporated in the squadron's insignia as worn as a cloth patch on flight suits and flight jackets.

Contents

Overview

The current VP-62 was established on 1 November 1970. It is the fourth U.S. Navy squadron to be designated VP-62, the first VP-62 having been disestablished on 1 July 1943, the second VP-62 having been redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 62 (VPB-62) on 1 October 1944 and the third VP-62 having been disestablished on 30 January 1950. [2]

VP-62 was established from the personnel and SP-2H Neptune aircraft assets of two Naval Air Reserve patrol squadrons existing prior to November 1970: VP-67F1 and VP-67F2. The establishment of VP-62, other land-based Naval Reserve patrol squadrons, and numerous sea-based Naval Reserve fighter squadrons, attack squadrons, carrier airborne early warning squadrons, helicopter squadrons, etc., all resulted from a major reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve that took place in 1970 in response to problems with the call-up of tactical Naval Air Reserve squadrons and personnel during the USS Pueblo Crisis in 1968. [3] Key among these problems was the incompatibility of aged, obsolescent combat aircraft in the Naval Air Reserve versus the active duty Fleet and an overly bureaucratic process for mobilizing Naval Reserve personnel to active duty. Under this reorganization, combat-coded shore-based and sea-based Naval Air Reserve squadrons, also known as Reserve Force Squadrons (RESFORON), would mirror their active duty Navy squadron counterparts in Naval Aviation and fly the same Type/Model/Series (T/M/S) aircraft as active duty units so that they could readily integrate with the active duty Fleet. These squadrons would be further organized under various Reserve wing organizations that were also created to parallel those in the Regular Navy.

Twelve (12) Naval Reserve patrol squadrons, later increasing to thirteen (13) patrol squadrons, were formed across the Continental United States (CONUS), structured along the same lines as the Regular Navy patrol squadrons and with nearly identical organization and manning levels. The primary distinction between the active duty and reserve squadrons was that the Regular Navy squadrons would continue to be staffed at peacetime manning levels that would be augmented during times of crisis, contingency operations, or wartime by additional Regular Navy and/or Naval Reserve personnel.

In contrast, the Naval Reserve squadrons would have a full wartime-manning complement from the start, with cost savings derived from approximately 66% to 75% of each reserve squadron's manning being filled by part-time Selected Reservists (SELRES) performing 65 man-days to over 150 man-days per person per year and the remaining 25% to 34% of manning filled by full-time active duty Reserve personnel in the Navy's Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) program (NOTE: From 2005 to 2021, TAR personnel were known as Full Time Support (FTS) personnel).

The concept known as "12/2/1" had 12 Naval Reserve VP squadrons (later increased to 13 Naval Reserve VP squadrons) residing under two commands: Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing Atlantic (COMRESPATWINGLANT) and Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing Pacific (COMRESPATWINGPAC), both under the control of one central Flag Officer authority, Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force (COMNAVAIRESFOR).

By 1990, VP-62 was comprised nine newly manufactured P-3C Update III aircraft and approximately 400 personnel of which +/- 130 were full-time active duty TAR personnel and +/- 270 were part-time SELRES personnel. This included fifteen (15) fully qualified 12-man combat air crews meeting the same annual flight time and combat readiness requirements as their active duty counterparts. Each combat air crew consisted of three Naval Aviators (pilots), two Naval Flight Officers, and seven enlisted Naval Aircrewmen, the overwhelming majority of whom had extensive prior active duty flight crew experience in the Regular Navy. While stateside at NAS Jacksonville, VP-62 would maintain a duty schedule/flight schedule nearly identical to that of its active duty P-3C squadron counterparts. The only distinction would occur once or twice a month when VP-62 would deviate from the active duty squadrons' Monday through Friday at home schedule and execute a Wednesday through Sunday schedule to accommodate monthly or bi-monthly drill weekends. While deployed to overseas locations, VP-62 would maintain the same 24/7 operational posture as the deployed active duty patrol squadrons.

Post-Cold War force cuts across both the Regular Navy and Naval Reserve from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, further exacerbated by post-11 September 2001 force cuts to remaining Naval Reserve aviation squadrons as a "bill payer" for the Navy's contribution to funding ground combat unit operations in Southwest Asia, resulted in both Reserve patrol wings and eleven of the original thirteen Naval Reserve (renamed Navy Reserve in 2005) P-3 squadrons being incrementally inactivated. Today, VP-62, along with its Pacific Fleet counterpart Reserve patrol squadron, Patrol Squadron SIXTY-NINE (VP-69) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, are the only two Navy Reserve patrol squadrons still in active service.

Flight crew positions in VP-62, especially for SELRES Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers, are highly competitive and selected via an in-depth screening and selection process. All pilots and NFOs have previous active duty experience in Regular Navy Fleet VP squadrons, all are previously mission commander qualified, many are weapons and tactics instructors (WTI) and/or NATOPS instructors, and most have served as instructors in either the P-3 Orion / P-8 Poseidon Fleet Replacement Squadron, Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30); or as flight instructors in the Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM); or as flight test evaluators in the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) or the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM).

Operational history

VP-62 P-3B, BuNo 153414, lands at NAS Dallas in September 1984 VP-62 LT-12 WEB (4832433534).jpg
VP-62 P-3B, BuNo 153414, lands at NAS Dallas in September 1984
VP-62 P-3C UIII, BuNo 163002, over downtown Jacksonville in 1991 P-3C VP-62 over Jacksonville 1991.jpg
VP-62 P-3C UIII, BuNo 163002, over downtown Jacksonville in 1991
VP-62 P-3C UIII, BuNo 163004, taxis to Runway 9 at NAS Jacksonville while a VP-30 P-3C lands, circa 1995. The VP-62 aircraft is still in its legacy Cold War gloss white over gloss gray paint scheme, albeit with most markings removed. During its next depot level maintenance period, it would be repainted in the flat gray tactical paint scheme with subdued markings like the VP-30 aircraft pictured. P-3C Orions of VP-30 and VP-62 at NAS Jacksonville 1995.JPEG
VP-62 P-3C UIII, BuNo 163004, taxis to Runway 9 at NAS Jacksonville while a VP-30 P-3C lands, circa 1995. The VP-62 aircraft is still in its legacy Cold War gloss white over gloss gray paint scheme, albeit with most markings removed. During its next depot level maintenance period, it would be repainted in the flat gray tactical paint scheme with subdued markings like the VP-30 aircraft pictured.
P-3C Orions of the U.S. Navy and partner nations on the tarmac at MCAS Kaneohe Bay during RIMPAC 2010 US Navy 100706-N-6855K-063 P-3C Orion aircraft from the navies of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Canada, Australia, Republic of Korean and the U.S. line the Rainbow Fleet tarmac of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.jpg
P-3C Orions of the U.S. Navy and partner nations on the tarmac at MCAS Kaneohe Bay during RIMPAC 2010
A P-8A Poseidon flies formation with a P-3C Orion overhead Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, 2010 P 8 and P 3 over Pax River.jpg
A P-8A Poseidon flies formation with a P-3C Orion overhead Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, 2010

Aircraft assignments

The squadron has been assigned the following aircraft, effective on the dates shown: [2]

Home port assignments

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

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kathryn P. Hire</span> American astronaut and captain in the US Navy Reserve (born 1959)

Kathryn Patricia "Kay" Hire is a former NASA astronaut and Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve who has flown aboard two Space Shuttle missions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Air Station Jacksonville</span> United States Navy air base in Jacksonville, Florida, US

Naval Air Station Jacksonville is a large naval air station located approximately eight miles (13 km) south of the central business district of Jacksonville, Florida, United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-94</span> Military unit

VP-94Crawfishers was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Originally established on 1 November 1970 at NAS Belle Chase, Louisiana, it was disestablished in September 2006. It was the second squadron to be designated VP-94, the first VP-94 was redesignated VPB-94 on 1 October 1944.

A Patrol Wing (PatWing) was a United States Navy aviation unit with the commander of a Patrol Wing known as the Commodore, the ComPatWing or COMPATWING. From 1 November 1942 to 30 June 1973 Patrol Wings were designated "Fleet Air Wings". On 26 March 1999 all then existing Pacific Fleet Patrol Wings were redesignated Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings and on 1 June 1999 all then existing Atlantic Fleet Patrol Wings were redesigned Patrol and Reconnaissance Wings with the Commodore designated as COMPATRECONWING or ComPatReconWing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-92</span> Military unit

Patrol Squadron 92 (VP-92) is a former U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron. Established on 1 November 1970, it was disestablished on 17 October 2007. It was the second squadron to be designated VP-92, the first VP-92 was redesignated VPB-92 on 1 October 1944.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-26</span> Military unit

The VP-26 Tridents are a United States Navy aircraft squadron based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida. The squadron flies Boeing P-8A patrol aircraft. It was established as Bombing Squadron 114 (VB-114) on 26 August 1943 and renamed Patrol Bombing Squadron 114 (VPB-114) on 1 October 1944; Patrol Squadron 114 (VP-114) on 15 May 1946; Heavy Patrol Squadron (Landplane) 6 (VP-HL-6) on 15 November 1946, and Patrol Squadron 26 (VP-26) on 1 September 1948. The Tridents are the third squadron to be designated VP-26; the first VP-26 was renamed VP-102 on 16 December 1940, and the second VP-26 was renamed VP-14 on 1 July 1941.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-8</span> Military unit

Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) is a U.S. Navy land-based patrol squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida (USA). VP-8 is tasked to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The Squadron is equipped with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patrol Squadron 4 (United States Navy)</span> Military unit

Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) is a U.S. Navy land-based patrol squadron based at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Washington, which is tasked to undertake maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions flying the Boeing P-8 Poseidon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-91</span> Military unit

Patrol Squadron 91 (VP-91) was a patrol squadron of the U.S. Naval Reserve. It was the second squadron to bear the VP-91 designation, the first VP-91 was redesignated VPB-91 on 1 October 1944. The squadron was established on 1 November 1970 and deactivated 29 years later, on 31 March 1999. It flew the Lockheed P-3 Orion, and was based at NAS Moffett Field during its entire life. The squadron's nicknames were the Pink Panthers from 1970 to 1984, the Stingers from 1984 to 1991, and the Black Cats from 1991 to 1999. Units of the squadron made 25 major overseas deployments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-65</span> Military unit

VP-65, nicknamed the Tridents, was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The squadron was established on 16 November 1970 at NAS Los Alamitos, California, and moved on 6 January 1971 to NAS Point Mugu. It was disestablished on 4 March 2006, after 35 years of service. Elements of the squadron made 22 major overseas deployments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-66</span> Patrol squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve

VP-66 was a patrol squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The squadron was established on 1 November 1970 at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, where it was based for the rest of its life. It was disestablished on 31 March 2006, after 25 years of service. The squadron's nicknames were the Flying Sixes from 1971 to 1974, the Dicemen from 1975 to 1980, and the Liberty Bells from 1981 onward. Elements of the squadron made 19 major overseas deployments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-67</span> Military unit

VP-67 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The squadron was established on 1 November 1970 at NAS Memphis, Tennessee, where it was based for its entire life. It was disestablished on 30 September 1994, after 24 years of service. The squadron's nickname was the Golden Hawks, also unofficially called the Thunder Chickens. Elements of the squadron made 23 major overseas deployments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-68</span> Military unit

VP-68 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The squadron was established on 1 November 1970 at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Its home port moved to Naval Air Facility Washington in 1985. The squadron was disestablished on 16 January 1997, after 26 years of service. Its nickname was the Blackhawks from 1972 onward. Elements of the squadron made 28 major overseas deployments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-56</span> Military unit

VP-56, nicknamed the Dragons, was a long-lived Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It was originally established as Patrol Squadron VP-900 on 1 July 1946, redesignated Medium Patrol Squadron (Landplane) VP-ML-71 on 15 November 1946, redesignated VP-661 in February 1950, redesignated VP-56 on 4 February 1953 and disestablished on 28 June 1991. It was the second squadron to be designated VP-56, the first VP-56 was redesignated OTS on 1 July 1941.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-16</span> Military unit

VP-16, nicknamed the War Eagles, is an active Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. It has been based at NAS Jacksonville, Florida since its founding in 1946. The squadron's mission is to operate Maritime patrol aircraft to the fleet in support of national interests. The squadron's radio callsign is "Talon," and their tailcode is "LF." Originally established as Reserve Patrol Squadron 906 (VP-906) in May 1946, it was redesignated Medium Seaplane Squadron 56 (VP-ML-56) on 15 November 1946, redesignated Patrol Squadron 741 (VP-741) in February 1950 and redesignated Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16) on 4 February 1953. It is the third squadron to be designated VP-16; the first VP-16 was redesignated VP-41 on 1 July 1939 and the second VP-16 was redesignated VPB-16 on 1 October 1944.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-30</span> United States Navy aviation squadron

Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) is a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy, established on 30 June 1960. It is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VUP-19</span> UAV squadron of the US Navy

Unmanned Patrol Squadron ONE NINE (VUP-19) is an unmanned patrol squadron of the United States Navy, nicknamed the "Big Red" and established on 1 October 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-40 (1951–present)</span> Military unit

VP-40 is a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established on 20 January 1951. It is the second squadron to be designated VP-40, the first VP-40 was disestablished on 25 January 1950.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-45</span> Military unit

Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) is a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy. The squadron was established on 1 November 1942 and is based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, United States. Since 2014, VP-45 is equipped with the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">VP-69</span> Military unit

VP-69 is a Patrol Squadron of the United States Navy Reserve. The squadron was established on 1 November 1970.

References

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons .

  1. 1 2 OPNAVNOTE 5400 dated 9 July 2015
  2. 1 2 3 4 Roberts, Michael D. (2000). Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2, Chapter 3 Patrol Squadron (VP) Histories (1st VP-62 to VP-90). Washington, D.C.: Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. pp. 326–8. Retrieved 23 June 2016.
  3. "U.S. Naval Air Reserve" (PDF). Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  4. "National Guard and Reserve Equipment Appropriations (NGREA)".
  5. "VPNAVY - VP-62 History Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron".
  6. 1 2 "Last Cold War warrior deploying to WESTPAC".
  7. 1 2 "P-3 Aircraft Location History Report" (PDF). Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  8. "VPNAVY - VXN-8 Aircraft Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron".
  9. "VPNAVY - VP-62 History Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron". www.vpnavy.com.
  10. "Reserve Patrol Wing Atlantic [COMRESPATWINGLANT]".
  11. Block Modification Upgrade Program (BMUP)
  12. 1 2 Dubbeldam, Jaap. "BMUP+ AND LSRS: ANOTHER USN SPECIAL PROJECT" (PDF). Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  13. "VPNAVY - VP-62 Mishap Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron".
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "VPNAVY - VP-62 History Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron". www.vpnavy.com.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "VPNAVY - VP-62 History Summary Page - VP Patrol Squadron".
  16. "VP Deployments(Bahrain)".
  17. 1 2 3 "VP-62 Broadarrows mobilize to 7th Fleet for fourth time amid COVID-19". DVIDS.
  18. "Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11".
  19. "Sailors load a AGM-65 Maverick missile on a P-3C Orion aircraft". 19 July 2018.
  20. "Front Line Squadrons operating the P-3 Orion" (PDF). Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  21. "Commanding Officer".
  22. "P-3 Orion Research Group".