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HistoryVPU-1 HistoryHistory

Circa 2012

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly NewsletterVPU-1 History "...VPU-1 "Old Buzzards" Farewell... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2012: Issue 2..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [05JAN2013]
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraPhoto courtesy of VPU-1 "...VPU-1 'Old Buzzards' to Disestablish - Posted: April 25, 2012 - 5:07pm | Updated: April 25, 2012 - 5:11pm - From VPU-1 Public Affairs..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [26APR2012]

Photograph Caption: A specially equipped P-3 Orion assigned to the "Old Buzzards" of VPU-1 is ready to start its turboprop engines on the Hangar 511 flight line at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron will be disestablished on Friday.

Special Projects Patrol Squadron (VPU) 1 will hold its disestablishment ceremony April 27 at 10 a.m. at NAS Jacksonville, Florida Hangar 117.

The "Old Buzzards" trace their lineage back 40 years when the Chief of Naval Operations requested the creation of a specially trained maritime patrol unit possessing the necessary expertise, flexibility and quick reaction capability to respond to immediate tasking from the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

As a result, a unique "special projects" detachment of P-3s was formed from operationally proven aircrew and maintenance professionals.

As the demand for P-3 Special Projects assets increased, the detachment became an independent unit under the command of its first officer-in-charge. During this period, the Sailors of VPU-1 continued their proud tradition of operational maritime patrol expertise, rapid response and professionalism.

The Old Buzzards served during the Cold War, in Operation Desert Shield/Storm, as well as numerous other military operations and crises.

In March 1996, the unit was formally established as a patrol squadron under the command of Cmdr. Walter Kreitler. For more than 16 years the "Old Buzzards" upheld the highest standards of the U.S. Navy and the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.

The squadron, flying at least two specially equipped Orions, has operated from NAS Jacksonville, Florida since July 2009 when they relocated from NAS Brunswick, Maine.

Squadron personnel have earned seven Joint Meritorious Unit awards, six Navy Unit Commendations, seven Meritorious Unit Commendations, seven Navy Battle "E" awards and various other unit, service and campaign awards.

Several "Old Buzzards" alumni are in town for the disestablishment events that include the Buzzard Ball, a golf tournament and Buzzard Night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville to see the Suns play.

As part of the Friday ceremony, Cmdr. Lee Boyer, the last "Old Buzzards" commanding officer, will lower the command pennant and dismiss the squadron for the final time.

"It's definitely going to be a bittersweet ceremony. On one hand, it is sad to see such a great squadron being retired – but on the other hand, disestablishment has renewed the bond between every generation of Old Buzzards. I have truly been humbled by the support and the obvious attachment that former and retired 'Old Buzzards' have for this squadron," Boyer stated.

Cmdr. Chris McDowell, the former VPU-1 executive officer and now commanding officer of VPU-2 at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii had these thoughts on the events.

"The 'Old Buzzards' of VPU-1, and the dedicated professionals, families and friends who support us, repeatedly accomplished some amazing things over the past 40 years. With several current 'Old Buzzards' destined to continue our fine tradition of mission accomplishment as members of our sister squadron, VPU-2, I look forward to carrying our unrivaled capabilities forward."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-10 Flight Engineer AWF1 Gordon Richards... "...2011 Aviation Battle 'E' Winners Announced From CNAF Atlantic Public Affairs - VP-4, VP-10 and VPU-1 - Posted: February 22, 2012 - 8:01pm..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/ [04MAR2012]

Photograph Caption: Photo by Kaylee LaRocque - VP-10 Flight Engineer AWF1 Gordon Richards waves the American flag as his P-3C Orion arrives home at NAS Jacksonville Dec. 2 after a six-month deployment to Bahrain, Qatar and Djibouti, Africa. The "Red Lancers" won the 2011 Battle "E" for the Atlantic maritime patrol category.

Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced the winners of the 2011Aviation Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") awards Feb. 10.

The aviation Battle "E" is the Navy's top performance award presented to the aircraft carrier and aviation squadron in each competitive category that achieves the highest standards of performance readiness and efficiency. The award recognizes a unit's training and operational achievements while including a balance that incentivizes efficiency.

USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) was the Battle "E" winner of the aircraft carrier category for the West Coast while the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) won for the East Coast.

"The warfighting excellence shown by these squadrons and the Vinson and the Bush proves them to be the best of the best. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments," said Vice Adm. Al Myers, CNAF commander. "In a time of increased demand and a constrained fiscal environment, these Sailors, Officers and Aviators continue to deliver combat effectiveness and to display the professionalism and pride that is the hallmark of naval aviation."

In the aviation squadron competitions, each aviation Type-Commander selects a winner in every category, while CNAF selects the Navy-wide winners, resulting in three sets of recipients.

The 2011 Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic squadrons selected as Battle "E" winners are:

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 15, for the VFA-C category
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, for the VFA-E/F category
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, for the VAQ CVW category
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124, for the VAW category
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, for the HS/HSC category
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42, for the HSL EXP category
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, for the HSC EXP category
VP-10 for the VP category

The 2011 Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet squadrons selected as Battle "E" winners are:

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 for the VFA-C category
Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, for the VFA-E/F category
Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, for the VAQ CVW category
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, for the VAW category
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, for the HS/HSC category
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, for the HSL EXP category
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23, for the HSC EXP category
VP-4 for the VP category

The 2011 CNAF squadrons selected as Battle "E" winners are:

Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132 for the VAQ EXP category
Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, for the HSM category
Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 for the HM category
VQ-2 for the VQ EW category
VQ-4, for the VQ TACAMO category
VPU-1 for the VPU category
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, for the VRC category

One of the most coveted awards in the fleet, the Battle "E" competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance within the naval aviation force.

Grading metrics for attaining the Battle "E" award include: operational achievement, training, inspection accomplishments, material and personnel readiness, aviation safety, weapon systems and tactics development, and contributions to the aviation community.

Each member attached to a winning ship or squadron earns the right to wear the Battle "E" ribbon on their uniform, or if they already possess that ribbon, they can add an additional "E" device to the ribbon.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jaxairnews.jacksonville.com/military/jax-air-news/2012-02-22/story/2011-aviation-battle-e-winners-announced#ixzz1o3bid4lT


Circa 2011

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Top official: Optimal manning 'went too far' By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer - Posted : Sunday Feb 6, 2011 8:23:24 EST... WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/ [08FEB2011]

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Circa 2010 - 2011

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Dictionary of American Naval Aviation SquadronsVP-4, VPU-1 and VQ-2 History "...VPU-1, VQ-2, VP-4 Win Coveted "Battle E" Award from October 2010 to September 2011... Maritime Patrol Association Planeside Quarterly Newsletter - 2012: Issue 1..." WebSite: Maritime Patrol Association [04JAN2013]
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Circa 2009

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...MCPON Expresses Gratitude To Ombudsmen By Clark Pierce, Editor - Friday, October 9, 2009 - (Mentioned: VP-5 and VPU-1)..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [09OCT2009]

Dozens of commanding officers, executive officers and command master chiefs honored 62 volunteer ombudsmen from throughout Navy Region Southeast at the NAS Jacksonville, Florida Officers' Club Sept. 29 to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick West was guest speaker.

In his welcoming remarks, NAS Jacksonville, Florida Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. said that recognizing the achievements of command ombudsmen is one of his top priorities.

"Nobody works harder to enhance our family readiness. Quite frankly, combat readiness and family readiness are tied together - and our leadership aboard this base would not be as successful without the volunteer efforts of our ombudsmen. Please accept our congratulations and thanks for your counsel and dedication," stated Scorby, who also recognized Ombudsman Chair Vivian Alcott, as well as Carolyn McCorvey and Wilhelmina Nash of Fleet and Family Support Center for organizing the event.

Commander, Navy Region Southeast Rear Adm. Tim Alexander expressed his gratitude. "The ombudsman's role is vital to effectively supporting our warfighters and their families. I'm very pleased to see MCPON West aboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida again. Your being here today adds special meaning to this event and shows the level of importance that we designate to our Navy Family Ombudsman Program," said Alexander.

As he took the podium, West asked the ombudsmen in attendance to stand for a hearty round of applause.

"David Rockefeller once described America's greatest resource as the generosity exemplified by our nation's volunteers. Americans are naturally 'giving' people and, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, 64.5 million Americans performed volunteer work in 2008. Today, we honor 62 of those volunteers who worked to make someone else's lives better - and in the process, improved themselves," explained West."Right now, our American way of life is being defended half a world away by our men and women in uniform. Their mission readiness is backed by a direct link to their families, courtesy of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. Today's all-volunteer force is comprised of the best and brightest that our nation has to offer. But we cannot retain them, if we do not care for their families. That's why the young families whose lives you touch as ombudsmen appreciate your gift of knowledge and compassion," said West.

He ended with the anonymous quote, "Volunteers are unpaid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless."

One of the 25 honorees attending was VP-5 "Mad Foxes" Ombudsman Sandra Brown, an 11-year Navy wife. In addition to raising two daughters (ages 10 and 12), she has supported her husband through four deployments, including 10 months in Iraq.

"Naturally, an ombudsman is busiest prior to and during deployments. When the squadron is home, things quiet down, yet I stay in touch with the squadron leadership to lend assistance wherever I can," said Brown. "Email makes a world of difference and is my primary communications pipeline to our families."

Brown also writes a monthly e-newsletter with information about the squadron and NAS Jax, as well as hurricane preparedness, back-to-school tips and healthcare concerns such as flu vaccinations. VPU-1 "Old Buzzards" Ombudsman Jennifer Lyon attended the luncheon with her husband, AWVC Jake Lyon.

"This is my 15th year as a Navy spouse. Our household includes two children (ages 6 and 13), so I have lots of real-world experience to share with our squadron's younger families. Because our aircrews and maintainers come-and-go with short notice, it's important to keep communications channels open," said Lyon.

The national anthem was performed by Navy Band Southeast A Cappella Quartet, comprised of MU2 Mallory McKendry, MU3 Sean Meyer, MU3 Roberta Schardt and MU3 Gene Register.

Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) Atticus Taylor, of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 delivered the invocation and benediction. "Ombudsmen epitomize the best in each one of us. They represent care, respect, compassion, sacrifice and loyalty. They should be enormously proud of their achievements concerning family issues that are vital to quality of life in today's Navy," said Taylor.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera090714-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]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera090714-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]


Circa 2008

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Wings of Gold Thumbnail "...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]
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Circa 2007

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...AVCM Donald Neal "Golden Wrench" Award for 2007: VP(Atlantic) - VP-10, VP(Pacific) - VP-47 and VQ/VPU - VPU-1..." Contributed by AM1(AW) Jeff Frey p3superb@aol.com [23FEB2007]


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