 VP-47 History
Circa 2019
A BIT OF HISTORY: 
VP-47 History "...OAK HARBOR, Wash.
(Sept. 13, 2019) Chief (Select) Aviation Ordnanceman Christian McGregor, attached to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, has one his gold fouled anchors pinned on by Chief Aviation Struc-tural Mechanic (Equipment) Jonathon Jackson, attached to VP-47, during the fiscal year... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2019: Issue 4..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [10DEC2019]
VP Images Around the Globe - 2019: Issue 4
A BIT OF HISTORY: 
VP-47 History "...OAK HARBOR, Wash. (June 22, 2019)... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2019: Issue 3..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [05SEP2019]
OAK HARBOR, Wash. (June 22, 2019) - 2019: Issue 3
A BIT OF HISTORY: 
VP-47 History "...VP-47 Attends LIMA Exhibition... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2019: Issue 2..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [25JUN2019]
VP-47 Attends LIMA Exhibition - 2019: Issue 2
A BIT OF HISTORY:
VP-47 History "...VP-47 Keeps Watch during FFA’s Operation Rai Balang in Pacific Islands... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2019: Issue 2..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [25JUN2019]
VP-47 Keeps Watch during FFA’s Operation Rai Balang in Pacific Islands - 2019: Issue 2
Circa 2018
A BIT OF HISTORY: 
VP-47 History "...Patrol Squadron FORTY SEVEN Participates in RIMPAC... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2018: Issue 3..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [24AUG2018]
Patrol Squadron FORTY SEVEN Participates in RIMPAC - 2018: Issue 3
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-47 History "...VP-47 Excels During Work-Up Cycle... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2018: Issue 2..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [22MAY2018]
VP-47 Excels During Work-Up Cycle - 2018: Issue 2
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-47 History "...VP-47 Achieves P-8A Safe-for-Flight... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2018: Issue 1..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [06FEB2018]
VP-47 Achieves P-8A Safe-for-Flight - 2018: Issue 1
Circa 2017
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-47 History "...VP-47 Returns to NAS Whidbey Island for Phase III... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2017: Issue 4..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [10NOV2017]
VP-47 Returns to NAS Whidbey Island for Phase III - 2017: Issue 4
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-5 History "...VP-47 ‘Golden Swordsmen Return from Successful Deployment... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2017: Issue 2..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [25MAY2017]
Golden Swordsmen Return from Successful Deployment - 2017: Issue 2 271 KB
A BIT OF HISTORY:  VP-47 History "...US Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Assist New Zealand in Earthquake Response... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2017: Issue 1..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [03FEB2017]
US Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Assist New Zealand in Earthquake Response - 2017: Issue 1 158 KB
Circa 2016
A BIT OF HISTORY:   161103-N-NB694-067 "...OKINAWA, Japan (Nov. 3, 2016) Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Doroshenko, attached to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, waits for further instruction before directing a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to taxi to the runway on Kadena Air Base. VP-47 is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operation (AOO) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and to the U.S. 4th Fleet AOO at Comalapa, El Salvador. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [16NOV2016]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  161031-N-NB694-055 "...OKINAWA, Japan (October 31, 2016) Sailors from the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 conduct foreign object damage (FOD) walk down on the flight line of Kadena Air Base. VP-47 is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operation (AOO) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and to the U.S. 4th Fleet AOO at Comalapa, El Salvador. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [16NOV2016]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  161015-N-NB694-072 "...OKINAWA, Japan (October 15, 2016) Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Ray, with the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, directs a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft to its parking spot. VP-47 is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, and U.S. 4th Fleet AOR at Comalapa, El Salvador. (U.S. Navy photo Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [16NOV2016]
Circa 2015
A BIT OF HISTORY:  150308-N-NB694-062 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (March 8, 2015) Aviation Machinist's Mate Airmen Lorenzo Simmons, left, and Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Gregory Freeman, both assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, put bolts back into one of the tailpipes for a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. VP-47 is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [29MAR2015]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  150315-N-NB694-009 "...NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Sicily (March 15, 2015) Sailors assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 conduct a foreign object debris walk down on the flight line of Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-47 is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua E. Walters/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [29MAR2015]
Circa 2013
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130812-N-PP197-003 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (Aug. 12, 2013) Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Chelsi Tow, left, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, speaks with Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Tiffanie Simpson about her exam worksheet for the upcoming Navy-wide advancement exam. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [02SEP2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130719-N-PP197-036 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 19, 2013) Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Leonard Turcato, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, directs a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft upon landing at Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [18AUG2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130718-N-PP197-137 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 18, 2013) Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jordan Doroshenko, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, answers questions about the P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from members of the disaster preparedness training for youth during a community relations event. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [18AUG2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130716-N-XB816-220 "...ODESSA, Ukraine (July, 16, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 and Ukrainian media tour the German Air Force C-160 Transall transport aircraft at Shkolniy Airfield during Sea Breeze 2013. Sea Breeze is an annual multi-national exercise in the Black Sea designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Howard/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130716-N-XB816-207 "...ODESSA, Ukraine (July, 16, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 tour the German Air Force C-160 Transall transport aircraft at Shkolniy Airfield during Sea Breeze 2013. Sea Breeze is an annual multi-national exercise in the Black Sea designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces. (U.S. Navy photo..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130716-N-XB816-198 "...ODESSA, Ukraine (July, 16, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 tour the German Air Force C-160 Transall transport aircraft at Shkolniy Airfield during Sea Breeze 2013. Sea Breeze is an annual multi-national exercise in the Black Sea designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Howard/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130717-N-PP197-037 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 17, 2013) Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Fitzgerald Ihekwoaba observes as Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Anthony Tate, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, signals to a pilot prior to launching a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP 47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130712-N-PP197-021 "...VARNA, Bulgaria (July 12, 2013) Naval Aircrewman (Avionics) 1st Class Adam Stewart, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, performs pre-flight inspection aboard a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, prior to a scheduled flight as part of Operation Breeze. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130812-N-PP197-003 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (Aug. 12, 2013) Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Chelsi Tow, left, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, speaks with Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Tiffanie Simpson about her exam worksheet for the upcoming Navy-wide advancement exam. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [18AUG2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130701-N-PP197-107 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 1, 2013) Naval Aircrewman (Mechanical) 3rd Class Patrice Carter, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, inspects the propellers on a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130701-N-PP197-069 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 1, 2013) Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Andrew Constantine, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, replaces a navigation card in a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130701-N-PP197-090 "...SIGONELLA, Sicily (July 1, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 perform a preventative maintenance inspection on a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft at Naval Air Station Sigonella. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [21JUL2013]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  130607-N-PP197-049 MORON, Spain (June 7, 2013) "...A Sailor assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 performs a routine inspection on a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. VP-47 is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released) ..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [22JUN2013]
Circa 2012
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...U.S. Sailors Help Rescue 68 People On Raft In Med By Geoff Ziezulewicz - Stars and Stripes - Published: January 17, 2012..." WebSite: Stars and Stripes http://www.stripes.com/ [18JAN2011]
NAPLES, Italy — A Navy aircrew over the weekend helped rescue 68 people adrift on a raft in the Mediterranean Sea, more than 80 miles off the coast of Malta.
The sailors, members of Hawaii-based VP-47 and working out of Sicily's Naval Air Station Sigonella, received a distress call from Maltese authorities just before sunset on Saturday, according to a Navy release. The sailors, at Sigonella for a six-month rotation, boarded a P-3 Orion aircraft, scouring a 30-by-60-nautical-mile area.
The crew spotted a drifting raft that was empty and continued the search, said the crew's commander, Navy Lt. Nicholas Warack.
"It was essential for us to get assistance to those people," Warack said Tuesday.
Now flying in darkness, the crew spotted a rubber raft carrying 68 men, women and children of Somali origin, the release said.
Warack said the crew dropped water, food and flashlights to the raft and flagged a civilian vessel, the M/V Verona, 60 miles away.
While waiting for the ship to arrive, the P-3 crew stayed in the area to reassure them that help was on the way, Warack said.
Just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, the M/V Verona arrived and got the passengers on board, according to the Navy, and they were later transferred to Maltese authorities.
The P-3 was designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, but its mission has evolved to include battle space surveillance over land or sea, according to the Navy.
"The search-and-rescue mission is always something P-3s have been on the hook for," Warack said.
Geoffz@estripes.osd.mil
Twitter: @Stripes_GeoffZ
A BIT OF HISTORY:  120115-N-ZZ999-003 NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 15, 2012) "...Navy Aircrew Assists in At-Sea Rescue Story - From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs - Number: NNS120115-02 Release Date: 1/15/2012 1:21:00 PM..." WebSite: NavyMil http://www.navy.mil/ [17JAN2011]
Photograph Caption: The crew of a U.S. Navy P3 maritime patrol aircraft assigned to VP-47, operating from NAS Sigonella, Sicily, assisted approximately 68 Somali migrants off the Maltese coast. The P-C crew provided a "SAR kit"containing water, food, and flashlights; contacted Maltese Search and Rescue coordinators; and hailed nearby vessels to lend further assistance.The Panamanian-flagged, M/V Verona, rescued the 65 people, and then turned them over to a Maltese Patrol vessel. (U.S. Navy photo/Released).
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- An aircrew assigned to VP-47, operating from NAS Sigonella, Sicily, sprang into action to help rescue 68 people adrift on a powerless raft in the Mediterranean Sea, Jan. 15, more than 80 miles from the southwest coast of Malta.
Responding to a request for assistance from Malta's Rescue Coordination Center to search for a reported vessel in distress, crews made initial preparations and boarded their P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft for the mission, at approximately an hour before sunset, Jan. 14.
Within an hour the Orion's crew of eight was already on station, searching a 30 x 60 nautical mile area southwest of the island nation. Minutes after arriving, the crew spotted a drifting raft and contacted a civilian merchant vessel, the M/V Sunfish, to render assistance. M/V Sunfish found the raft was empty, while the U.S. Navy aircrew continued their search.
Now, flying in the dark skies over the Mediterranean, the crew found another raft drifting in the open water. The rubber raft had 68 men, women, children of Somali origin, packed aboard the vessel with no shelter from the wind, water, or chilling temperatures.
The VP-47 aircrew immediately deployed relief supplies of water, food, and flashlights to the stricken raft, and searched for other vessels in the area that could immediately render assistance. The Panamanian-flagged M/V Verona, over 60 miles away, responded and made its way toward the raft. Meanwhile, the P-3 crew remained in the area above the raft, reassuring its passengers that help was on the way.
Finally, just before 1 a.m. today, the M/V Verona rendezvoused with the raft, taking all 68 passengers on board. Once all 68 passengers were safely on board the merchant vessel, and arrangements made to transfer the migrants to dry land, P-3 aircrew returned to their NAS Sigonella, Sicily, after an 11-hour mission.
The U.S. Navy has a long history of rendering assistance at sea. The quick response and assistance provided by the Navy aircrew is in keeping with the traditions of our Naval service.
U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters is located in Naples, Italy, and conducts a full range or maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  111228-N-PP197-042 SIGONELLA, Sicily (Dec. 28, 2011) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Sarah Rutledge, assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, inspects propeller number four for damage as part of a daily inspection. VP-47 is deployed supporting U.S. 6th Fleet operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [06JAN2012]
Circa 2011
A BIT OF HISTORY:  110819-N-PP197-034 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Aug. 19, 2011) "...Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Terrence Pinnock, command fitness leader of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, leads Sailors in a run during weekly squadron physical training in preparation for the biannual Navy-wide physical fitness assessment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [26JUL2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  110720-N-PP197-013 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 20, 2011) "...Aviation Ordnancemen assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 lift an AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground tactical missile to a P-3C Orion aircraft during the Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection. The inspection is required by every squadron to ensure ordnance handling complies with procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [31AUG2011]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  110720-N-PP197-006 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 20, 2011) "...Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Michelle Boatman hauls an AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground tactical missile to load on a P-3C Orion aircraft during the Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 conventional weapons technical proficiency inspection. The inspection is required by every squadron to ensure ordnance handling complies with procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stacy D. Laseter/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [31AUG2011]
Circa 2010
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Kicks Off 7th Fleet Deployment with Keen Sword 2011 By VP-4 Public Affairs - Posted: December 18, 2010. Squadron's Mentioned: VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-46, VP-47..." WebSite: Commander U. S. 7th Fleet http://www.c7f.navy.mil/ [18DEC2010]
NAHA, Japan – A week after arriving in Okinawa, Japan Nov. 23 to start their six-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, the Skinny Dragons of VP-4 took part in the bilateral exercise Keen Sword 2011 Dec. 3 – 10.
VP-4 relieved VP-47 and throughout Keen Sword VP-4 alongside VP-8, VP-46 and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 aircrews exercised, evaluated and worked side-by-side to strengthen interactions amongst one another.
The Pegasus's of VP-4 stationed out of NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan Prefecture of Japan few aboard aircraft assigned to VP-4 to observe crew coordination and tactics utilized by the Navy. The cross training was conducted to improve both U.S. and Japanese understanding of our mutual capabilities and limitations.
"The exercise was a great way for our squadron to launch into deployment and we are excited about our continuing friendship with the JMSDF, and VP 5 in particular, during the months to come," said Cmdr. Steve Newlund, VP-4's commanding officer.
To close the exercise the aircrews of VP-4 and VP-5 took part in the photography exercise, a Navy and a JMSDF P-3C Orion flew together in formation over JMSDF and Navy ships lead by the aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73).
The biennial Keen Sword brought together 34,000 Japanese troops and 10,000 U.S. service members, plus a combined 430 aircraft and 60 ships for missile-defense and other air, land and sea operations, as service members will practice responding to a wide range of situations, including the defense of the region and reacting to a simulated contingency situation affecting Japan, within a realistic training environment.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAS Jax P-3s Join Pacific Live-Fire Exercise By LT(jg) Evita Salles CPRW-2 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday, August 5, 2010. Squadrons mentioned include RAAF, VP-4, VP-5, VP-40, VP-47 and VP-62..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [06AUG2010]
Aircrews from NAS Jacksonville, Florida-based VP-5 and VP-62, along with VP-4 and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), 11 Patrol Squadron from Edinburgh, Australia, participated in a live-fire exercise (SINKEX) July 10 as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercise.
Flying from MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, each squadron fired AGM-84D Harpoon missiles at the decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship ex-USS New Orleans (LPH-11) in the Hawaiian operating area.
The purpose of the SINKEX is to provide P-3C Orion aircrew valuable training in Harpoon missile proficiency. Aircrews train extensively on the simulated usage of the Harpoon missile but rarely get the chance to fire the live weapon.
"It was an outstanding opportunity for our junior officers and air crew to gain valuable experience shooting a forward-firing weapon," said Cmdr. Jason Jorgensen, commanding officer of VP-5 and deputy of Combined Task Group 172.2.
Each aircraft launched an on-target hit on the New Orleans. The SINKEX provided the first opportunity for most of the participating aircrew to fire a live weapon.
"Flying with a live weapon always heightens aircrew and maintenance awareness of tactics, techniques and procedures. The SINKEX serial provided 11 Squadron with a great opportunity to test our individual and collective warfighting skills in a complex coalition environment. It does not get too much better than that," said Wing Commander Phil Champion, commanding officer of 11 Squadron, RAAF.
It was the first time in eight years the RAAF shot a Harpoon missile. The AGM -84D Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system. The Harpoon's active radar guidance, warhead design, low-level cruise trajectory and sea-skim or pop-up maneuvers assure high survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, shore batteries or aircraft such as the P-3C Orion.
Commissioned in 1968, New Orleans was the third U.S. ship named for the War of 1812 Battle of New Orleans. Throughout its 30 years of service, the ship took part in various amphibious exercises and contingency operations during the Vietnam War, carrying Sailors and Marine ground forces, helicopters and landing craft. The ship was decommissioned in 1997.
VP-4 and VP-47 flew another SINKEX on the ex-USS Monticello (LSD 35) on July 14 using Harpoons and AGM-65 Mavericks to destroy the target. VP-5 and VP-40 conducted the last of the sinking exercises on July 17 using Harpoons and Mavericks against the ex-USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Each crew scored a direct hit, on time.
The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides stand-off capability and high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including ships, air defenses, transportation equipment and fuel storage facilities.
RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. This marks the 22nd exercise in the series since the RIMPAC exercise began in 1971. P-3C Orion aircrews will conduct similar exercises throughout the course of RIMPAC.
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100714-N-6855K-075 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 14, 2010) "...Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Brandon Duncan, left, and Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Bobby Rafalski, both assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, remove the hoisting mechanism from an AGM-65 Maverick missile after loading it on a wing ordnance rack of a P-3C Orion aircraft. Air crews assigned to VP-47 launched mavericks and other ordnance during a sinking exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises, 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/ [25JUL2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100714-N-6855K-136 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 14, 2010) "...Aviation ordnancemen assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 unstrap an AGM-84D Harpoon missile prior to loading the weapon to the wing of a P-3C Orion aircraft. Air crews assigned to VP-47 launched harpoons and other ordnance during a sinking exercise as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises, 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/ [25JUL2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100714-N-6855K-246 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 14) "...Lt. Trevor Morey, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, prepares to launch an AGM-65 Maverick missile from a P-3C Orion aircraft during a sinking exercise of the amphibious dock landing ship Ex-USS Monticello (LSD 35) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. 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/ [25JUL2010]
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:  100629-N-6855K-073 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (June 29, 2010) "...Naval Air Crewman (Mechanical) 2nd Class Case Barnette, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, monitors flight equipment during an in-flight emergency drill in the flight station of a P-3C Orion aircraft. VP-47 is performing an Inter-Deployment Readiness Cycle at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [16JUL2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100619-N-9860Y-002 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (June 19, 2010) "...Capt. Gerral David, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island and former executive and commanding officer of the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 from 2001 to 2003, speaks with members of the 2010 VP-47 Reunion in the chief petty officer's club at NAS Whidbey Island. More than 100 people, including former Golden Swordsmen, their friends and family members, visited NAS Whidbey Island for the reunion. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [22JUN2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-47 WebSite - Photo Gallery..." VP-47 Official WebSite: http://www.vp47.navy.mil/ [15JUL2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100515-N-8377A-025 UTAPAO AIR BASE, Thailand (May 15, 2010) "...Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Saranda Duckett looks down the centerline of an inert MK-62 underwater mine. Duckett, of VP-47 (VP 47) was taking part in a mine exercise (MINEX) during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2010. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Michael Ard/Released) ..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [28MAY2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100514-N-8093C-132 UTAPAO, Thailand (May 14, 2010) "...A Royal Thai Navy sailor overlooks Naval Air Crewman (Operator) 2nd Class Jacob Hobbs, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, as he operates a Thai P-3C Orion anti-submarine warfare simulator during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2010. CARAT 2010 is a series of exercises held annually to strengthen relationships and improve operational readiness throughout Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Naval Air Crewman (Avionics) Michael T. Church/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [28MAY2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100402-N-6855K-048 OKINAWA, Japan (April 2, 2010) "...Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Rodney Saucedo, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, inspects the horizontal stabilizer of a P-3C Orion during the aircraft's integrated maintenance concept phase inspection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [17APR2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100327-N-6855K-138 OKINAWA, Japan (March 27, 2010) "...Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Marygrace Kelsy, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, clears brush at Devil's Cove during a Heroes of Planet Earth (HOPE) community service project. Sailors assigned VP-47, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 and other HOPE volunteers removed more than 6,400 pounds of green waste, recyclables and trash from the cove, which was once a staging area for U.S. forces during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [25APR2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100220-N-6855K-045 OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2010) "...Children from the Kadena Children's Center jump rope with Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Stephanie Delano, left, Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Shannon Lanza and Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class James Kerr during a community relations project. Sailors from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 also taught traditional English songs to the local Japanese children attending after-school care at the center. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [12MAR2010]
A BIT OF HISTORY:  100220-N-6855K-111 OKINAWA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2010) "...Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Shannon Lanza, left, and Yeoman 2nd Class Christy Casavilla play Heart and Soul on the piano for Japanese children during a community relations project at Kadena Children's Center. Sailors from Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 also taught traditional English songs to local Japanese children attending after-school care at the center. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [12MAR2010]
"VP-47 History Summary Page"
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