VPNAVY VP-5 Mercury Capsule Recovery
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HistoryVP-10 HistoryHistory

Circa 2009

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...2009 Deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar..." Contributed by AWOCS STUBBS, Chris "Stubby" chris.stubbs@asec-incorporated.com [04JAN2014]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...CPRW-5's VP-10, VP-26 and FSU-5 move to CPRW-11 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida..." Forwarded by SAVIEO, AT3 Gene gsavieo@gmail.com [26DEC2009]

CPRW-5 Sends:

All,

Last Friday we formally shifted control of VP-10, VP-26 and FSU-5 to CPRW-11 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. With that, CPRW-5 is out of the operational business. By every measure, the difficult process of moving our squadrons and units while continuing to prepare them for deployments set a new standard for how to do it right while always taking care of our Sailors. There is no doubt that every organization on this great base played a key role in that, and I want to personally thank you. Throughout our history, our squadrons have always been able to raise the bar in deployment performance, just as VP-10 did on their last one.

I am often asked why that is, and the one thing I can point to is the amazing team approach that the base has always had. Each and every one of you understand the importance of what our Sailors do, and bend over backwards to ensure that they and their families are fully supported and always taken care of. I am humbled and honored to have had the chance to serve with each and everyone of you (many through multiple tours), and again want to express my sincere appreciation for all you have done for this Wing.

All the best and Happy Holidays. V/r, Jim

Captain Jim Hoke
Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE
5 Jay Beasley Circle
Brunswick, ME 04011
(207) 921-2424 DSN 476-2424

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera091112-N-3417F-003 DJIBOUTI (Nov. 12, 2009) "...Petty Officer 2nd Class Jojuan James, right, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Schoene, both members of the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, play soccer with a boy from a small village outside Camp Lemonnier. The Sailors volunteered to team up with U.S. Army's 4-78th Civil Affairs Special Operations Battalion (Airborne) to donate balls and clothes, and to provide a portable movie projector to watch movies. Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa is actively involved in supporting many local villages without electricity to provide the popular movie nights and build relationships in Djibouti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry Foos/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [19DEC2009]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Red Lancers' Coming Home After High-Tempo Deployment - VP-10 Relocates By LT(jg) Sean Kearney - VP-10 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday, December 10, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [11DEC2009]

Following their six-month deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and a detachment to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa, the 'Red Lancers' of VP-10 will soon finalize their homeport change from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

Safely conducting over 650 mishap-free flights amounting to more than 4,000 flight hours, the Red Lancers proved to be expert operators as they utilized the full spectrum of P-3 warfare capabilities.

During its split-site deployment, the squadron conducted missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), maritime security operations and anti-piracy missions to protect American's maritime interests in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The Red Lancers conducted multiple joint military operations and exercises, established course rules for coalition flight safety, combated piracy, and built diplomatic bridges to foster international relations.

History ThumbnailCameraPhotos courtesy VP-10 Interrupting the flow of illegal drugs was an important mission celebrated by VP-10 Combat Aircrew 10. (From left) AWFC Jennifer Wiliams, AWO2 Adelina Reynosoacosta, Lt. j.g. Josh Silva, Lt. j.g. Ross Barone, Lt. Greg Stoddard, Lt. Greg Siegert, Lt. Susan Mendenhall, AWO2 Richard Dixoon and AWO2 Brandon Douchette.

Red Lancers in U.S. 5th Fleet (CENTCOM)

Upon arrival at the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), the squadron began operating in direct support of multiple task forces to help counter the insurgency and improvised explosive device (IED) operations in Iraq. VP-10 also supported maritime security operations involved with OEF - including one combat aircrew that aided in the seizure and destruction of more than 10 tons of illegal narcotics. The crew provided timely and detailed intelligence to international naval forces, which allowed them to apprehend a dhow (an Arab boat) transporting nearly $70 million worth of narcotics.

The Red Lancers also flew multiple sorties in direct support of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Strike Groups, and USS Bataan (LHD 5) Expeditionary Strike Group.

History ThumbnailCameraPhotos courtesy VP-10 AOAN Shawn Kelly of VP-10 runs toward the P-3C Orion of Combat Aircrew 8 during training in the de-arming of a Captive Air Training Armament 65 Maverick missile, Nov. 4, in Southwest Asia. The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. When relieved from deployment, the "Red Lancers" will fly to their new home base at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. Staff Sergeant Robert Barney

Unit exercises such as Shamal 0901, 0902 and 1001 allowed VP-10 to display its capabilities as a maritime patrol and airborne intelligence asset supporting maritime security operations in the 5th Fleet AOR.

History ThumbnailCameraPhotos courtesy VP-10 The international face of the P-3 Orion of maritime patrol and reconnaissance community is displayed on the ramp at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, Africa. Coalition partners include Japan Germany and Spain.

Though equipped to perform a variety of missions, the P-3C aircraft flown by the squadron is primarily an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform. Participating in multiple coordinated ASW training exercises allowed them to maintain previously unseen levels of proficiencies and qualifications while on a "desert" deployment. A tactical ASW exercise was held with the Nimitz strike group to measure the squadron's and strike group's joint capabilities, skill levels and preparedness.

While deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, the Red Lancers forged relationships with the U.S. Air Force, which operates the base. VP-10 worked with Air Force personnel to coordinate the Red Lancers Maintenance Department relocation from permanent facilities into expeditionary facilities.

Spearheaded by VP-10, the new maintenance facilities were constructed mainly by members of the squadron during off-duty hours.

This large evolution simplified the base's VP deployment transition process. VP-1, the relief squadron for VP-10, was the first to use the new facilities. The Red Lancers received material assistance as well as construction and infrastructure installment help from the Air Force, which helped to further understanding of the forces' differences of operations. VP-10 left the maintenance facility fully operational, greatly enhancing VP-1's ability to perform effectively from the start of their deployment.

History ThumbnailCameraPhotos courtesy VP-10 In Djibouti, squadron personnel made regular visits a boysΥ orphanage where basketball and soccer were the sports of choice. The Red Lancers also supplied clothing and other necessities.

Deploying to an Air Force base also provided the squadron with several social and competitive opportunities. Besides sharing common facilities such as berthing and galleys, the groups shared inter-service athletic rivalries where the Red Lancers established their appetite for winning.

The July 4th Freedom Festival Championship consisted of "picnic games" where the Red Lancers' determination and skills took the trophy. In August, the base Commander's Cup competition began with VP-10 heavily involved in the good natured rivalry. At the close of the competition in September, VP-10 secured the championship by defeating an Air Force team in a heated battle of ultimate Frisbee. The Commander's Cup Trophy was presented by Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar Commander Brig. Gen. Stephen Wilson.

In the "biggest loser" weight-loss competition, two Red Lancers placed second and third while the squadron lost a combined 2,500 pounds. These competitive events served to boost squadron morale, pride and unity - as well as foster friendships between the Navy and Air Force.

Red Lancers in U.S. 6th Fleet (AFRICOM)

VP-10 flew missions in support of OEF and maritime security operations in the 6th Fleet AOR. One of many Red Lancers objectives was to help counter the influence of Al Qaeda throughout the Horn of Africa and to slow the prevalence of piracy in the region. Piracy has become the main focus of the AOR, as several notable events made international news.

The Red Lancers operated primarily out of Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, Africa. This small nation is well-suited geographically for multi-national maritime security operations - as it is located on the Gulf of Aden near the southern entrance to the Red Sea. Coincidentally, the Red Lancers shared the ramp with P-3 Orions of three other nations - Germany, Spain and Japan - and participated in true coalition building that strengthened the friendships between allied nations.

VP-10 pilots acknowledged the hazards of operating from such a remote site, which spurred their creation of "course rules" - a set of procedures for approaching the airfield that facilitated safe operations. Course rules were necessary due to the lack of radar at the facility, poor navigational aids in the region, and language barriers inherent with coalition joint operations.

The Red Lancers also provided direct maintenance and mission support to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), because their presence in Djibouti is the first forward-deployed Japanese military force in over 60 years. VP-10 aircrews helped indoctrinate other coalition crews on the unique missions and geography of the region.

In the coalition's war against piracy, a steady flow of information between the allied nations proved invaluable. Besides working together, several social events within the maritime patrol community fostered many new friendships and professional bonds. Also, cross-flights helped the different aircrews understand the capabilities and attributes of other nations' aircraft.

Accomplishments by the Red Lancers in the 6th Fleet AOR will pay dividends as they are relieved by VP-26 in the crucial war against a new breed of terrorists.

History ThumbnailCameraPhotos courtesy VP-10 Members of the VP-10 "Red Lancers" gather with a group of U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen during their visit to Djibouti, Africa as part of the Midshipmen Summer Training Program.

Superior Maintainers

With one of the best maintenance departments in the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community, the Red Lancers' mission completion record stands near 100 percent. Squadron maintainers rise to every readiness challenge - whether it's a complete engine change, an electronics system problem or an errant fault indication - to allow squadron operators to excel.

Despite a sandy, hostile environment, maintainers' steadfast dedication allowed the squadron to add training exercise flights to improve the already excellent reputation of the Red Lancers. As VP-16 Commanding Officer Cmdr. James Robinson said, "We can't do anything without good birds. We can't get on station, we can't do missions. We are nothing without our maintenance department."

Community Relations

In addition to the military operations, VP-10 took great pride in building community relationships within their host nations. Many events were organized by the squadron to represent both the United States and the Navy with pride, professionalism and compassion. In Doha (the capital of Qatar), Red Lancers' Flight Surgeon, Lt. Melissa Darlington, held several breast cancer awareness briefs to the benefit of many women.

In Djibouti, squadron visits to a boys' orphanage led to many pick up soccer and basketball games while building friendships. At a local baby orphanage, Sailors provided diapers, bottles and clothing and other supplies. They also volunteered three to four days a week to help feed, change and play with the children.

In another initiative, VP-10 was able to solicit a massive donation of 270 boxes of clothing from Carter's Inc., a popular children's clothing retailer. The clothes, filling nearly eight cargo pallets, were distributed to the rural residents of the African nation.

Job Well Done

In addition to operational requirements, the Red Lancers conducted an unprecedented amount of training. The squadron designated 10 officers as mission commanders.

Seven officers qualified as patrol plane commanders, those naval aviators responsible for the safety of the aircraft and its crew.

Six officers qualified as tactical coordinators, who direct the utilization of sensors, aircraft systems, and crewmembers for maximum mission effectiveness.

Three junior naval flight officers qualified as navigator/communicator. Among the enlisted members of the squadron, 26 qualified as enlisted aviation warfare specialists, three as quality assurance representatives and 35 as collateral duty inspectors. Among the enlisted aircrew, one qualified as a flight engineer, one as a sensor station three, and two others as in-flight technicians.

The Red Lancers will redeploy well ahead in overall pilot training, a key marker for squadron readiness. This is considered a tremendous achievement and will pay dividends as the squadron returns to its new home in Hangar 1000 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida to prepare for its next deployment.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Red Lancers Are Coming Home By Rich Jones, News Director - December 9, 2009 9:47 AM..." WebSite: WOKV http://wokv.com/ [10DEC2009]

The final group of the VP-10 "The Red Lancers" are returning to NAS Jacksonville, Florida today.

Here is more detailed information from NAS Jacksonville, Florida:

The VP-10 "The Red Lancers" will arrive at NAS Jacksonville, Florida on Wednesday, Dec. 9, following a six-month split-site deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Africa. Their arrival will complete a homeport change from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

During their deployment, the squadron conducted missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations, including the seizure and destruction of 10 tons of illegal narcotics and played a key role in support of the U.S. Navy-lead anti-piracy coalition of nations to deter maritime piracy activities in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Indian Ocean.

The squadron safely conducted more than 650 mishap-free flights amounting to over 4,000 flight hours, including multiple joint and combined military operations and exercises. They also established course rules for coalition flight safety, and built diplomatic bridges and international relations in support of the CNO's Global Maritime Strategy.

VP-10 is the third of four active duty P-3 squadrons to execute a homeport change in accordance with the 2005 Base Re-alignment and Closure Commission's decision to close NAS Brunswick, Maine. The first squadrons to arrive were VP-8 and VPU-1.

The Red lancers are comprised of 350 officers and enlisted personnel and assigned eight P-3 Orion aircraft.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...300 Brunswick-Based Sailors Return From Deployment By PAN PYLAS - AP Business Writer - Monday, December 7, 2009..." WebSite: Nashua Telegraph http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/ [08DEC2009]

BC-ME — Base Closing-Maine,0122

300 Brunswick-based sailors return from deployment

Eds: APNewsNow.

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Brunswick Naval Air Station's last squadron has departed, but another squadron will be making a brief return before heading to Florida's NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

A military airlift will touch down Monday with about 300 sailors from Patrol Squadron 10, which just completed a six-month deployment to the Middle East. About 135 of them will continue on to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where the squadron's P-3 Orions have relocated. The rest will stay in Brunswick to wrap up their affairs.

Brunswick, once home to 4,000 sailors and six patrol squadrons, is in the process of shutting down. Its two runways are scheduled to close next month and the base will close for good in May 2011.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera091112-N-3417F-003 DJIBOUTI (Nov. 12, 2009) "...Petty Officer 2nd Class Jojuan James, right, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Chris Schoene, both members of the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, play soccer with a boy from a small village outside Camp Lemonnier. The Sailors volunteered to team up with U.S. Army's 4-78th Civil Affairs Special Operations Battalion (Airborne) to donate balls and clothes, and to provide a portable movie projector to watch movies. Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa is actively involved in supporting many local villages without electricity to provide the popular movie nights and build relationships in Djibouti. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry Foos/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [20NOV2009]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraVP-10 History "...VP-10 Helps Construct New P-3 Maintenance Facility By LT(jg) Sean Kearney VP-10 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday October 12, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [13NOV2009]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Jonathan Rivera Close to Finishing Navy Deployment..." WebSite: StrausNews http://www.strausnews.com/ [07NOV2009]

Monroe — Navy Seaman Apprentice Jonathan A. Rivera, son of Lourdes Rivera of Monroe, and a sailor with the Patrol Squadron 10 "Red Lancers" (VP-10), NAS Jacksonville, Florida, recently completed the fourth month of his six-month deployment to the Navy's Africa Command and Central Command, operating from bases in Quatar, Djibouti, and Japan.

While deployed, the Lancers conducted operations in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to include maritime security operations; anti-submarine warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; routine maritime patrol and anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden and maintained a 99.5 percent sortie completion rate.

In Djibouti, during a "Non Sibi" day, meaning not for ourselves, the Lancers helped distribute 10, 000 units of clothing donated by Carter's. The influx of 270 boxes temporarily shut down the camp post office until the sailors loaded the donations on a truck and moved them into storage. The donations were then distributed with the assistance of the base staff, U.S. Embassy personnel and the Ministry of Women and Family Affairs.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Red Lancer Non Sibi Day - October 2009..." WebSite: VP-45 Official WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/ [14OCT2009]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...RDML Grunewald Quarters - September 09..." WebSite: VP-45 Official WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/ [14OCT2009]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Orion Town - August 09..." WebSite: VP-45 Official WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/ [14OCT2009]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Clark Reached Midway Point of Deployment - September 29, 2009..." WebSite: Coshocton Tribune http://www.coshoctontribune.com/ [30SEP2009]

NORFOLK, Va. -- Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shawn A. Clark and fellow sailors of Patrol Squadron 10 Red Lancers (VP-10), NAS Jacksonville, Florida, recently reached the midway point in their six-month deployment to the Navy's Central Command operating from bases in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Djibouti and Japan.

While deployed, the Lancers have conducted operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to include maritime security operations; anti-submarine warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; routine maritime patrol and anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

Halfway into their deployment, the Lancers have accumulated a 99.6 percent sortie completion rate, more than 2,000 flight hours and more than 300 combat missions. Additionally, the Lancers aided in the seizure and destruction of 10 tons of narcotics, mostly hash estimated to be worth $70 million, while patrolling the Hash Highway in the Gulf of Aden. They also assisted the Seychelles in conducting anti-piracy operations.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera "...VP-10 Captures Commander's Cup Championship - "Red Lancers" Halfway Home by LT(jg) Sean Kearney and LT(Jg) Jon Moore - Thursday, September 24, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [25SEP2009]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 plays host to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group By LT(jg) Jon Moore VP-10 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday, August 13, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [14AUG2009]

Rear Adm. Bill Moran, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group commended the "Red Lancers" of VP-10 on their mission readiness during his recent three-day visit to Qatar. Moran emphasized the importance of the product that VP squadrons provide to the rest of the fleet – as well as overcoming the environmental challenges of operating in U.S. Central Command.

He congratulated the Red Lancers on their superior performance during the first part of their deployment and challenged the squadron to maintain vigilance as they approach the end of their deployment. The squadron is currently forward deployed in Qatar, Djibouti and Japan to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), routine maritime patrol and anti-piracy operations.

"The ISR application is huge. As long as we have boots on the ground we will be flying overhead," said Moran. "VP-10 is having a huge effect on our ability to protect forces on the ground and to locate the enemy. You're doing it effectively and with style." "My hat is off to you," Moran told the Sailors, touching on the many environmental challenges of operating in a desert environment. "Just getting engines started is a challenge out here." "I also understand the ASW has been difficult out here," Moran continued, "ASW is a perishable skill, all the way around. You have been doing a great job being ready for the ASW opportunities as they become available.

"Looking forward, Moran outlined the transition of the maritime patrol community to the P-8A Poseidon, which is set to rollout in 2013. "There is a future and it is the P-8," stated Moran, "In three years we will see the first NAS Jacksonville squadron put their P-3s away and go to P-8. News on our future is very, very bright." Finally, he reminded his audience to keep setting high standards as they press through to the end of deployment.

"Your skipper would have me tell you to forget about the last couple months. It's easy to grow complacent — easy to rest on our laurels. Aviation can be pretty mean. It can happen overnight — very suddenly — if you're not paying attention," warned Moran, "But there is nothing I have heard or seen that would lead me to believe that VP-10 will fall into this trap. This deployment is a marathon. Run at a pace that is safe and effective."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Red Lancers' Help Stop Illegal Drug Flow - By LT(jg) Jon Moore, VP-10 PAO - Thursday, July 23, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [24JUL2009]

Allied naval forces with the aid of VP-10 aircrew seized and destroyed roughly 10 tons of narcotics in international waters dubbed the "Hash Highway." The narcotics, mostly hashish, were estimated to be worth $70 million. This constitutes the largest seizure of drugs this year.

"The seizure of these drugs takes money out of the hands of those financing terrorists in the region," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of Combined Maritime Forces. "The smugglers need to know that coalition forces are patrolling the seas and skies above.

These efforts send a message to all would-be smugglers that we are here and we won't tolerate drug trafficking in international waters."

On July 7, Combat Aircrew Ten (CAC-10), flying the P-3C Orion, was conducting routine maritime surveillance in the Gulf of Aden when they identified a large dhow (a traditional Arab sailing vessel with lateen sails) sailing 150 miles southeast of Salalah, Oman.

The "Red Lancers" relayed the contact to a nearby British warship. Later, crew members from the warship boarded the dhow, discovered and destroyed the narcotics "that further enable their drug trafficking," said Lt. Nathan Christensen, a spokesman for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet. The dhow and crew were then released.

"Disruption and destruction of the drugs was deemed more important than holding the folks accountable," added Christensen.

"It's exciting to be a part of something that's making a difference," said Lt. Susan Mendenhall, CAC-10 mission commander. "This is a great reward for the maintainers and the operators - to see something tangible for all their hard work."

Hashish (more commonly called hash) is a potent form of cannabis produced by collecting and processing the most potent material that female marijuana plants naturally generate as part of their growth cycle. Hashish is an illegal substance in the United States and many other counties.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 deploys to Middle East and Africa - By Lt. j.g. Jon Moore - VP-10 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday, June 25, 2009..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [26JUN2009]

Cmdr. James Robinson, the 73rd commanding officer of VP-10, led the "Red Lancers" on their final deployment from NAS Brunswick, Maine — relieving the "Fighting Tigers" of VP-8 June 3 in their dual site deployment to Qatar and Djibouti.

While deployed, VP-10 will conduct missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Maritime Security Operations and anti-piracy missions to protect America's maritime interests in the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The Red Lancers will not be working alone. While overseas, they will be part of several multinational task forces that include the navies and air forces of Japan, Germany, France, Spain and England.

The Red Lancers have been instrumental in the welcoming of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) to Djibouti as they embark on their first forward deployment in over 60 years. VP-10 has been ready and willing to assist the Japanese from day one in order to ensure their deployment is a success. Having the JMSDF on the team is a force multiplier.

While forward deployed, the Red Lancers of VP-10 will be ambassadors of the United States in order to strengthen relations with their host countries. Always looking to lend a helping hand, a number of community relations projects will be conducted by the Red Lancers.

Several members of the squadron have already volunteered at local orphanages and participated in teaching English to the local community.

VP-10 will not only donate their time but will also hold fundraisers for the local charities. Much needed basic necessities, which many in the U.S. take for granted, are scarce in regions surrounding their forward deployed sites.

While the Red Lancers will maintain a strong focus on mission accomplishment during the next six months, they will also look forward to the day they are reunited with their families and loved ones.

To make life even more interesting, VP-10 is conducting a homeport change to NAS Jacksonville to coincide with the conclusion of this deployment. Though very different from the northern climate of Maine, Jacksonville beckons with open arms.

The Red Lancers look forward to continuing their tradition of hard work and excellence in and are eager to set the pace in Jacksonville in the near future.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Another Local Navy Tradition Ends - By Rachel Ganong, Times Record Staff - 04/01/2009 - Posted with permission of The Times Record..." WebSite: Times Record http://www.timesrecord.com/ [04APR2009]

BRUNSWICK — Amber McGowan, Erika Erickson, Jodi Moore and other wives from the Officer Spouses' Club of VP-10 chatted Monday as they laid salad greens, baked chicken, French bread laced with oregano and basil, and "seven layers of heaven" bars on the kitchen counter.

For the last time before their squadron starts relocating from NAS Brunswick, Maine to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, the Navy spouses' group brought all the fixings for a satisfying supper to Tedford Housing's adult shelter on Cumberland Street.

Spouses in the club have been preparing meals for Tedford's adult shelter on the fifth Monday of the month as part of a service tradition that's outlasted multiple three- and four-year tours of the club's members.

Navy Exodus by the Numbers:

3,000 military and civilian employees currently work at NAS Brunswick, Maine.

500 military couples have established plans to move in May, June and July 2009.

1,300 to 1,500, estimated number of military and civilian employees remaining at the base during the last quarter of 2009.

Source: Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority Chairman Art Mayo

But as their conversation on Monday indicated, that tradition will end when VP-10 becomes the second of five squadrons to leave the Mid-coast region in advance of NAS Brunswick, Maine's federally mandated closure in 2011. With them, simple but significant tokens of their presence in the community — like the monthly convoy of aluminum casserole trays to the homeless shelter — will vanish from the community they've called home.

Spouses talked about when movers would pack up their houses, if their Navy husbands would be present to help with their upcoming exodus and where they would live upon reaching NAS Jacksonville, Florida or wherever their next assignment brings them.

"We got accepted on an offer for our house down there," Jodi Moore said, her announcement meeting congratulations from a group that can appreciate the oft-attempted triumph of securing a suitable new home.

Moore will take her 10-year-old daughter out of school and move to NAS Jacksonville, Florida in time for the closing on May 15. Her husband will leave a week later.

Originally from Presque Isle, Moore said she'll miss NAS Brunswick, Maine because it's near home for her and feels like home to others.

"It's definitely a smaller community," she said, contrasting NAS Brunswick, Maine with naval base communities "spread out" around "bigger cities."

NAS Brunswick, Maine's smaller community is one reason Erika Erickson, originally from New Orleans, La., ranks Maine as her favorite duty station after she and her husband, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Erickson, have spent two tours of duty here.

Erickson serves as the helping hands coordinator for the Officer Spouses' Club, which both provides meals and holds fundraisers for local organizations, including Tedford Housing. As part of her role, she organizes 10 members of the club to bring half of a course for their dinner donation.

"We always have every slot filled," she said. "If you're only responsible for half, you can make it extra special."

Their efforts aren't lost on shelter diners, she said, who are always appreciative, especially of decadent sweets.

"They do like the desserts," she said.

Affirming her assertion, shelter residents snatched Erickson's "seven layers of heaven" bars before digging into the main course Monday night.

"Do you know who made these?" a man named Stanley asked two other shelter guests, John Farrell and Dorell Carter, as he chewed one of the dessert bars.

Farrell and Carter watched as dinner arrived at the shelter kitchen Monday. It didn't matter to them what the VP-10 officers' spouses were bringing for dinner. They knew it would be good.

"It's eat all you can," Farrell said, explaining the food was as good as one could eat under any roof in NAS Brunswick, Maine.

"The food is great here," Carter said. "It's all really good, homemade stuff."

To make sure shelter residents can continue to say that, VP-10 officer spouses want to do one more service for Tedford before leaving to tackle new service projects in NAS Jacksonville, Florida.

"One thing we would like to do is to encourage another organization to take our monthly meal," Erickson said.

Tedford Housing Executive Director Don Kniseley estimates the 37 area restaurants, churches, individuals and groups like the VP-10 Officer Spouses' — by preparing nightly meals for shelter guests — donate about $60,000 in food annually and save hours of preparation.

"It means we don't really have to have a working kitchen," Kniseley said. "We would be hard pressed to provide meals for 20 people every night."

In this troubled national economic climate, bringing meals to the shelter meets a significant need, according to meal coordinator Joy Johnson.

Johnson, a retired Navy wife who spent her career as a social worker focusing on homelessness, said she is always looking for more help in providing meals for the shelter. Those interested in providing meals can contact her at (207) 721-9282 or at galofgrog@yahoo.com.

"It's becoming a little more complicated because not as many people are providing the full meal," she said. "It's just tougher for people now."

Which is one more reason she's saddened to see the VP-10 Officer Spouses' Club leave after years of consistent help.

"The VP-10 group has really been great," she said.


Circa 2008

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...OPNAV NOTICE 5400 - October 23, 2008 - Permanent Duty Station Change for Commanding Officer Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10)..." Contributed by GALLARDO, LCDR Orlando gallardo@lhd2.navy.mil [12MAY2009]

History - Tap To Enlarge ThumbnailHistory - Tap To Enlarge Thumbnail

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCameraAircrew 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]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...A Navy Dream: Retire in Maine - Seth_Koenig@TimesRecord.Com - 06/30/2008 - Posted with permission of The Times Record..." WebSite: TimesRecord http://www.timesrecord.com/ [01JUL2008]

BRUNSWICK — At Friday's change of command ceremony for VP-10 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, outgoing Cmdr. Kevin Brennan was sad to be leaving. Incoming Cmdr. Kevin McGowan was thrilled to be back.

The duo counted themselves among the Navy personnel who — someday, when their military careers are over — will plant themselves in Mid-coast Maine for the long haul. As the Navy prepares to leave NAS Brunswick, Maine and turn it over for civilian reuse in three years, locals hope they can still count on a few more military retirees coming back to Brunswick after 2011.

"(The base) has historically brought — and continues to bring — to the greater Brunswick region an ethnic and cultural diversity that you may not normally have in a town the size of Brunswick," said Jeffrey Jordan, deputy director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, on Friday. "These are individuals that have been reassigned to bases all over the world, and they and their families bring those experiences to the community that they live in.

"That cultural diversity," he continued, "could be lost."

As they passed on the ceremonial stage Friday, Brennan was completing his third tour in Brunswick and McGowan is beginning his third. Both spent a few moments after the ceremony daydreaming about coming back to the area for retirement and, as Brennan said, "looking forward to the time when we're driving buses or teaching in the Brunswick school system."

With the help of his son, Cameron, Brennan recalled places he's been stationed — Jacksonville, Fla., Washington D.C., Sacramento, Calif. The outgoing commanding officer of Patrol Squadron 10 described the strong feelings many in the Navy have for Maine. His next stop is a return to the nation's capital for further training before a stint at the Pentagon.

"(Other base communities) don't have that close-knit bond with their bases," said Brennan, who called Brunswick "the most patriotic small town in America," adding that "there are a lot of aviators that are crying because this base is closing."

McGowan owns a home in Phippsburg that he looks forward to retiring in someday. Maj. Dwaine Drummond of the Maine National Guard told a civilian planning panel last spring that 22 percent of Brunswick residents older than 18 are veterans. Brennan said Friday that, in a recent meeting with the Navy inspector general, he was told that 35,000 military retirees now live in the southern and Mid-coast Maine regions.

"When many Navy kids grow up and are asked where they are from, they often respond with, 'Well, my dad was in the Navy, so I'm really from all over,'" said McGowan to Friday's crowd of a few hundred. "However, despite all the moves, I'm pretty certain that when the McGowan kids grow up, they will always tell people that their hometown is a little fishing village in Maine called Phippsburg."

Those planning for the civilian redevelopment of the 3,200-acre base property hope that McGowan and Brennan aren't the last Navy men who plan to call Brunswick home in their retirement years. The Brunswick community has another 18 months before the last of the patrol squadrons stationed here departs for good. That's 18 more months to make a lasting impression on sailors assigned to this location — sailors considering where they might settle down in the coming decades.

"For those that are retiring, we may have the housing to accommodate them," said Jordan, who noted that on the base property there are "new, high-quality units that our consultants identified as being appropriate for retirees."

Jordan also said civilian plans for the military airfield could coax former sailors back to the Brunswick area. The Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority is working to implement a strategy to use the airfield for aviation-related industries after the Navy departs.

"Another whole aspect of this is that (Navy personnel) have the skills to work in aviation, and our reuse plan calls for aviation uses — (such as) aircraft repair, maintenance and overhaul," he said. "We could provide private job opportunities for them at competitive wage rates."

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: "...VP-10 helps out in the Philippines - U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs - Posted: 09/18/2007..." WebSite: Commander U.S. 7th Fleet http://www.c7f.navy.mil/ [10JAN2012]

ENTRAL LUZON, Philippines – More than 30 Sailors from Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, stationed in Brunswick, Maine, made a stop in Central Luzon, Philippines, for a community relations (COMREL) project Sept. 7.

The Sailors, who are supporting the 7th Fleet in the global war on terror, spent time with children from the Munting Tahanan Ng Nazareth orphanage and helped with small cleaning tasks during the COMREL. VP-10 also donated much needed supplies for the children, most of which have multiple sclerosis and some are either deaf or blind. Lt. Susan Mendenhall, VP-10 public affairs officer, said this was a touching experience for her.

"They kept thanking us, but really we owed so much to them," said Mendenhall. "They helped us realize what is really important and why we do the things we do."

The orphanage is run completely on donations, so the crew of VP-10 raised over $1,000 to give to the orphanage. Mendenhall added that she was truly overwhelmed by the experience she was able to share with the children.

"This was honestly one of the most emotional experiences to date."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - CARAT BRUNEI - LT Reann Mommsen..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

On August 5, 2007, Patrol Squadron TEN sent one aircrew and multiple maintainers to participate in Cooperation Afloat, Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei. This joint exercise gave both the U. S. Navy and Brunei Air Force a chance to participate in joint training, as well as an opportunity to learn about each other's culture.

Upon arrival at Rimba Airbase, Brunei, the aircrew participated in an Air Symposium that included presentations from a U. S. Navy helicopter squadron, and Brunei's fixed wing and helicopter squadrons. There were many other opportunities to interact with both the Navy HSL squadron and the Brunei's Air Force including a reception on the U.S.S. Jarrett (FGG-33), a BBQ featuring local cuisine, and the CARAT Closing Ceremonies.

The coordinated exercise began when the Patrol Squadron TEN P-3 located and tracked a ship that was considered a critical contact of interest. After locating the contact, the aircrew vectored in two helicopters who then commenced a boarding exercise with the vessel. Upon completion of this portion of the exercise, the training then transitioned to a Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise. The P-3 aircrew then proceeded to locate the distressed vessel and pass the location to airborne and surface units who would carry out the rest of the SAR mission effort. Both the boarding exercise and the SAR mission were demonstrations of how important communication between different assets is in successfully carrying out a mission.

CARAT Brunei was an excellent opportunity for the Patrol Squadron TEN aircrew and maintenance personal to promote the United States Navy and the P-3 community. In addition, they were able to develop and increase interoperability between the P-3, HSL, and surface communities, as well as the Brunei Air Force. Not only was CARAT Brunei a great professional opportunity, it also allowed for many chances to interact with Brunei's Air Force personnel as well as experience some of the local cultures and traditions.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - TALISMAN SABRE '07 A LANCER TOUR DE FORCE - by LT Daniel Walker..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

The Royal Australian Air Force Base at Williamtown, New South Wales has resumed its quiet winter routine after bidding adieu to three air crews and 45 maintenance personnel of the VP-10 Red Lancers for whom the base was home during this year's Talisman Sabre Exercise. The Lancers, under the leadership of LCDR Chris Flaherty along with one aircrew of Patrol Squadron 40, flew over 300 hours of round-the-clock patrol operations--both maritime and over-land--from RAAF Williamtown, located on the Tasman Sea approximately 75 miles northeast of Sydney . Two crews and accompanying maintainers from the RAAF's 10 Squadron, based in Adelaide , worked hand-in-hand with the Lancers in the air and on the ground, providing an abundance of training and fellowship opportunities for all involved.

Talisman Sabre is a large bi-annual exercise involving elements of all branches of service--this year over 20,000 personnel in total. It is the largest exercise in which Australian forces participate. P-3 crews from VP-10, VP-40, and 10Sqn spent their early missions of the exercise performing maritime patrol and surveillance and anti-submarine warfare to protect the USS Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group. Australian and American submarines serving as opposing forces found themselves the hard-pressed quarry of the Orion's sensors. As the fight progressed across the beach, P-3 crews were tasked--sometimes in-flight and on an ad hoc basis--with littoral and overland intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions in support of the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander and the Air Component Commander. The Orion's ability to analyze targets while maintaining a sizable standoff proved a valuable asset, and the evolution of P-3 missions over the course of the exercise served as an emphatic statement of the aircraft's diverse capabilities.

Lancer maintainers expended herculean effort to keep pace while flying operations proceeded day and night. Led by Senior Chief Williams, the maintenance department enabled an exemplary 100% sortie completion rate. During the 3 weeks of the exercise, 32 of 32 scheduled missions were flown using only 3 aircraft--no mean feat considering some of the obstacles presented. Crews could be seen working on, in, and under aircraft at all hours, in all conditions. "They were awesome," observed CWO3 Miller of the maintainers, "everyone used their expertise to help out where they could." One indefatigable maintenance crew formed an abiding image of the detachment by replacing a propeller in the middle of the night, on an open tarmac, amid wind-driven, wintry rain. Such admirable effort was typical throughout the detachment.

Despite a heavy operational tempo, the Lancers still managed time to promote international goodwill and understanding through the sharing of techniques and institutional knowledge. Each American air crew was assigned an Australian host crew, easing exchange of important local and exercise procedures. Aussies and Americans also partook together in liberty activities such as tours of local towns, visits to favorite watering holes, and trips to see an Australian pastime: pro rugby, known locally as "footie." "The Aussies were so much fun, and a little crazy," said LT Sarah Campbell, "yet they were great hosts and true professionals."

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - RED LANCERS Help Save 13 Lives - by LT Susan P. Mendenhall, VP-10 PAO..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

As the Super Typhoon Man-yi developed in the Western Pacific, the merchant vessel Hai Tong encountered 70 mph winds and 24-foot seas. The 420-foot Chinese-flagged bulk log carrier sank off the coast of Guam with a crew of twenty-two onboard.

In the early afternoon, on Thursday, July 12, 2007, the Horizon Falcon, a nearby merchant vessel, rescued two sailors adrift in the waters southwest of Guam . The ship recovered the sailors, but quickly realized they were not the only ones lost at sea. While searching for the remaining members of the Hai Tong crew, the Horizon Falcon contacted the Coast Guard Sector Guam (CGSG), who then contacted a U.S. Navy P-3 aircrew from Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10.) The VP-10 Red Lancers, standing by at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam , were prepared for a Search and Rescue mission and launched to provide aerial support in locating survivors.

The Patrol Squadron TEN crew, deployed to Kadena , Japan , conducted their search in a four hundred square nautical mile area, three hundred and fifty nautical miles Southwest of Guam. Once survivors were located, the aircrew deployed a Search and Rescue kit into the water. The kit would provide the survivors with two life rafts, water, and a radio. Unfortunately, due to the sea state, the survivors were unable to reach the survival equipment. The P-3 aircraft then dropped smoke markers at the location of the survivors and remained overhead until a nearby Japanese vessel, the Ikan Belis, was able to rescue the sailors in the water.

Working with the Horizon Falcon, the Ikan Belis, and other merchant vessels in the area, the VP-10 aircrew remained on station for over four and a half hours. With the combined effort eleven members of the Hai Tong crew were located and ten were rescued. The eleventh sailor was unresponsive upon his recovery by the Horizon Falcon.

The Ikan Belis recovered a total of eight survivors, and returned to Guam so that they could receive medical attention. The Horizon Falcon recovered two survivors and continued their search effort until morning, then continued on to China . The P-3 aircrew requested over a common maritime frequency that all merchant vessels continue their search until morning and notified them that the aircrew would be returning to Guam .

Over the following days, merchant vessels: the Konmax, the Clipper Lagoon, the Coral Emerald, and the RJ Pfierffer, as well as two U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircrews from Hawaii, the Sequoia, a Coast Guard cutter from Guam, and two Red Lancer aircrews from VP-10, out of Kadena Air Force Base and Misawa Air Force Base continued the search for survivors. As of Sunday afternoon, sixteen sailors had been located, thirteen survivors and three of which had expired.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - Let It Rain: VP-10 Det South Shelters Local Schoolchildren - by LT Ann K. Gilson..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

If someone had told me that a hundred schoolchildren would be willing to hike 45 minutes each way up and down a mountain for an umbrella and an Egg McMuffin, I would have claimed gross exaggeration. But now I can say that I have witnessed just that. The idea for VP-10's Community Project evolved from a suggestion that head driver Ernie provided: that the kids in local schools could use protection in the "rainy season." An umbrella may seem insignificant to the average American, but such a seemingly trivial tool that can either be taken or left behind without much consequence, in the Philippines becomes a crucial item. Here, there is no line of cars in the morning and afternoon to transport kids to and from school. Rather, the children find their own way, whether it is by frequently unreliable public transportation or traveling for long distances. Without the insulation of a car, the shelter of an umbrella, whether walking or waiting for a 'jeepney' to ride, is a great source of protection from the rain.

So began the project to donate to local schools that expressed need. What began as an empty jar on top of the geedunk refrigerator soon produced over 260 umbrellas for children in local schools. The drive for donations was headed up by AE1 Jayson Cannon and other 1st Class Petty Officers in Det South, and several other 2nd Class Petty Officers were in attendance on the day we went to distribute the supplies we had collected.

On the morning of July 6th, ten Red Lancers transported by two loaded vans proceeded outside the SEZ (Standard Economic Zone?) with the Mabalacat Police Department, and two local intelligence officers in tow. Our first stop was at a gate near Haduan and Calapi Schools . The reason why we could not travel directly to the schools soon became clear. "No motorbike or car can make it up the mountain, it is too steep," stated the Principal of Haduan and Calapi Schools . When I asked her how far they had traveled to make it to the gate she said, "about 45 minutes each way." As the children lined up in single file to receive their water, food, and umbrellas, AE1 Cannon presented the principal with a box full of books that were compiled to be donated. To express thanks in return, the principal gave us a gift of various local fruits. As the line began to diminish, the children began to sing a song of thanks before they began their trek back up the mountain.

Our caravan then began to travel to our second location. In order to reach the Calumpang and Monicayo schools, we passed over a bridge that once was completely washed out by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo back in 1991. "They're still removing the ash," said the driver as he pointed to the bulldozer in what appeared to once have been a clear river, but now was a waterway completely saturated with silt. The dirt road leading to the second set of schools was washed out in many locations and we passed such interesting sites as a house with a Styrofoam fence and a perfectly functional basketballs court right beside a church. This time, we were able to pull right up to the school courtyard, and the children began to file out of their classrooms to line up for their umbrellas. When they had all received theirs, they broke into a song, and although we could not tell for sure if it was the same song of thanks that the other schoolchildren had sung, we believed it to be the same. At this point, several of us broke off to play with the children and to take a closer look at the classrooms. AT2 Williams and AE1 Cannon showed the children how to play limbo with their new umbrellas while others showed them how to play hopscotch. As the time neared for us to depart, the Principal offered us Soda out of glass bottles to thank us for our gift.

Although there were many different ideas for this project and how it could be conducted, at the end of the day everyone was satisfied and content that we were able to do something to help those around us. In this area of the world, there appears to always be need, and what may be a small effort on all of our parts can produce amazing results.

In return, you receive more than just the good feeling of giving. You see the sites, the realities of the area that surrounds us here. You see one person plowing a field with a plow pulled by a water buffalo, a group of teenagers playing a pickup game of basketball on Philippine regulation courts, and the remnants of what once was Clark Air Base. From our internet wired hotel with many conveniences, it is difficult to imagine what a different place this is from where we came from, but after this project, all of us that participated felt like we had really experienced the Philippines . At each school we went to, the Principals were so grateful to see us, but also hopeful. As I shook each of their hands upon our departure, each of them said, "We hope to see you again." I felt confident in telling them that we would be back. And hopefully everyone down here in Det South can do their own part to improve our surroundings above and beyond their continued commitment to our squadron.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - VP10 Red Lancers Lend a Helping Hand in Okinawa - by AWCS(AW/SW) Michael Fortin..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

Recently several Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron Ten spent a few hours helping out the staff at the Hijagawa No Sato, a retirement home located in Okinawa , Japan . Monthly volunteers load up in a van and conduct volunteer work such as washing down wheelchairs, general cleaning, sweeping and swabbing decks throughout the home. Upon completion the staff was overwhelmed by the volunteers and how nice it was to see them interact with the patients and staff. Ms. Kasumi Sakaida, Community Relations Specialist, Fleet Activities, Okinawa translated in Japanese the Red Lancers gratitude to the Hijagawa staff for allowing them the opportunity to give back to the Okinawa community. The Red Lancer Team consisted of AWCS Mike Fortin, AW1 McCaffe, AW2 Ventura, AW2 Matthews, AO2 Estes, PS2 Haynes, AW3 Andrus, MC3 Pittman, AW2 Brown, and CS3 Nelson.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Lancer "NEWS" - Red Lancers go back to Boot Camp for PT! - Submitted by LTJG Jay Rodriguez VP-10..." WebSite: VP-8 WebSite http://www.vp10.navy.mil/index.php?id=873&secid=35 [29JAN2008]

On this, the second of four scheduled visits by the Red Lancers to Great Lakes Naval Training Center , fifteen members of VP-10 headed back to boot camp to support Navy recruits during their fourth week of basic training. This particular visit was to help boost morale and to stress the importance of physical fitness on the new recruits. The fifteen member team led by Patrol Squadron Ten's Commanding Officer, Commander Wheeler and Command Master Chief (SW) Daniel Nicholson participated side by side with the recruits in their mid-term Physical Fitness Assessment.

After evening chow, Skipper Wheeler and Master Chief Nicholson held a pep talk in the barracks to discuss the many career options within the Navy; the importance of staying the course to achieve career goals and the importance of being proactive in setting and seizing career opportunities in whatever form they present themselves. They also reinforced by their presence and words that VP-10 would be there to support them all the way! The recruits, who range in ages from 18 to 34 and hail from as far away as St. Croix, Virgin Islands to as close as Chicago, Illinois, asked a barrage of questions including what they could expect after boot camp; what various officer's training programs were available; and what duty stations and locations were preferable.

In a ceremony before the PFA the recruits were issued red, Patrol Squadron TEN T-Shirts emblazoned with the VP-10 logo, symbolizing the Lancers dedication to supporting them in their efforts. Arriving in a sea of red at 0400 all 160 recruits faced the brisk morning air courageously. They enthusiastically stretched, then completed the PFA requirements, receiving extra motivation from the Red Lancer team. Those who finished early stood on the side, and actively joined the Red Lancers spirit of motivation.

VP-10 will be returning to Great Lakes to support the recruits for "battle stations" the culmination and most challenging portion of the boot camp experience. Both a physical and mental challenge used to prepare recruits for the stresses and operational tempo of combat. Battle stations begins at 1900 and continues throughout the night until 0800, during which recruits are pushed to their limits. It is both a test and right of passage, which leads to their transformation from recruit to Sailor. While this challenge will push the recruits to their limits they will have the extra advantage of having seen firsthand the camaraderie and teamwork exemplified by the Red Lancer team during their visits, and they will know that they have the Red Lancers behind them to smooth their transition into the Naval Service.

For some members of the Red Lancer team who could vividly recall spending their own time in boot camp at Great Lakes the experience was dιjΰ vu—except on this return visit, the food was better, the facilities were newer and the PFA was easier.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-10 History ThumbnailCameraAOC(AW) Lynn Lambert "...RED LANCERS Broadening the Scope - Pushing the Limits: VALIANT SHIELD 07 - By LT Ann Gilson..." Contributed by LT Susan P. Mendenhall spmenden@yahoo.com [05SEP2007]

Photograph Caption: AOC(AW) Lynn Lambert from Patrol Squadron TEN displays the rocket end of an AGM-65F Maverick Missile. This missile, launched by a crew from Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN, scored a direct hit during the SINKEX portion of VALIANT SHIELD.

"ATTENTION TO BRIEF!" The command is abrupt and seemingly anonymous. The chatter in the room immediately stops, and the brief begins. In the background, the phones continue to ring, the debriefing crews crouch over logs and mission summaries, and every computer is occupied. As soon as one crew completes their brief and departs for the plane, another is there to take their place at the long table. It is a continuous wave of action, a never-ending marathon of production and accomplishment. On the ramp is the largest collection of P-3 Orions in one place, for an exercise, that most of us have ever seen. This is VALIANT SHIELD, a biennial exercise designed to push the limits of technology and capability. Its overall construct reads like an elaborate military science experiment: 32 combatants, three aircraft carriers, seven submarines, and over 800 P-3 flight hours divided into 114 events. It is an opportunity to operate in a constantly evolving battle space with three carrier strike groups and hundreds of aircraft. And for many of us, it is our first chance to conduct missions in a dynamic joint environment with the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Under the overall command of Commander Kevin Brennan, Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron TEN, VALIANT SHIELD included 22 combat aircrews and 15 P-3 aircraft from 13 different squadrons representing every maritime patrol and reconnaissance air wing. Over the course of eight days, aircrews exercised every mission area on station in complex strike group scenarios, from anti-submarine warfare to maritime domain awareness, intelligence gathering and surveillance to range clearance and targeting. Aircrews collectively expended 3,800 sonobuoys while prosecuting multiple subsurface contacts in support of warfare commanders. Crews from VP-9 and VP-16 fired MAVERICK missiles during intricate live-fire exercises, scoring direct hits on their intended targets. The exercise mission set provided opportunities to not only demonstrate the full capabilities of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, but also to showcase their interoperability with every branch of our military.

During complex maritime interdiction missions, P-3 aircraft passed target information to Air Force strike aircraft, markedly improving the common operational picture and battle space understanding. This information flow expanded the strike mission lead's overall situational awareness and highlighted our ability to quickly identify critical contacts utilizing a multitude of sensors while flying varying profiles. Not only were targets positively identified and positions relayed, but surrounding surface traffic was also delineated in order to maximize attack effectiveness and minimize collateral damage to neutral shipping.

From a training perspective, VALIANT SHIELD provided an invaluable opportunity to tactically employ not only our resources, but those of the entire U.S. combat team. "This training is completely unlike what we are able to see on an everyday basis. You have three CSGs operating in the same relative airspace. You have a theatre commander onsite. This is as 'big picture' as it gets, and our P-3s have provided tremendous support," pointed out CDR Kevin Brennan. Frequently, aircrews received in-flight retasking and seamlessly conducted their follow-on missions. Aircraft on range clearance profiles would be called upon to investigate possible subsurface contact and prosecute. Maritime domain sorties might be asked to provide bomb damage assessment after a strike or relay full mission video back to warfare commanders planning follow-on events. Though a mission rarely flowed as briefed, the aircrews rapidly responded in a dynamic environment and achieved the desired effects on station.

With anti-submarine warfare as the primary mission area of the MPRA community, aircrews received the best possible training to prepare them for the challenges associated with real-world prosecutions. "In the majority of exercises we conduct during the home cycle, we are only able to work with one, at most two submarines at a time. VALIANT SHIELD has provided the real-world challenge of seven submarines to distinguish between and attempt to prosecute," commented LCDR Todd Libby, Exercise Operations Officer. Aircrews manned two 24-hour stations dedicated to anti-submarine warfare and exercised advance tactics and technologies in defense of the carrier strike force. The exercise total statistics are the real story: 300 qualifications toward aircrew combat readiness, over 80 hours of submarine contact time, 80 confirmed exercise anti-submarine kills.

VALIANT SHIELD also included a plethora of firsts. P-3 aircraft streamed live video via tactical common data link to a surface combatant, who, in turn, relayed it in "real time" to component commanders at 13th Air Force Headquarters in Hawaii and THIRD Fleet Headquarters in California. Equipped with this instant access to the battle on station, rear guard leadership could assess battle damage instantaneously and adjust follow-on missions accordingly. Aircrews seamlessly integrated into the strike force command and control architecture and markedly enhanced the common operational picture. MPRA aircraft worked in conjunction with special mission ships to maximize search area coverage and improve our ability as a battle force to sanitize the water space for carrier strike group movement. A VP-10 aircrew successfully gained contact via extended echo ranging, converted it to direct path contact, and launched a successful attack. With these new innovations, the MPRA force advanced the operational art of anti-submarine warfare and further showcased its capabilities and contributions to the joint combat team.

An exercise of this scale undoubtedly brings with it some considerable logistics challenges. With Andersen AFB Guam as the exercise hub, Navy maintenance and other ground support personnel learned to integrate into the Air Force infrastructure. "It was a little painful in the beginning," admitted 25-year Navy veteran, AWCS Mike Fortin of Patrol Squadron TEN. "Several of the original crews who were expected to attend changed, so there were a lot moving pieces. We also had to iron out differences in procedure between ourselves and the Air Force while operating out of their airfield." If the challenge of maintaining 15 aircraft and sustaining 24 hours continuous operations for eight consecutive days was not daunting enough, maintenance personnel worked out of tents on the flight line because work space was at a premium in Guam. As AT3 Anibal Riospardo from VP-10 described it, "I think it's more plane to plane to plane than operating out of a tent - there is just so much to do." With a 99% mission completion rate, the maintenance team clearly demonstrated its ability to provide combat ready aircraft to the Fleet under any conditions.

VALIANT SHIELD set out to bring forces together from multiple services to enhance joint operations proficiency; to provide the US with an opportunity to operate and sustain Air Force, Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard assets in a blue water environment; and to exercise all military and technological advances in peacetime in order to uphold and sustain the highest state of readiness. It succeeded in every respect. By breaking down the internal barriers between our own services, we demonstrate our capability to traverse any barrier with a goal to integrate our respective strengths into a mighty battle force. With this continual push for a unified effort, the United States is broadcasting a clear message: We are ready.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-10 History ThumbnailCameraOperation 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]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 Command Structure..." WebSite: VP-10 http://www.vp10.navy.mil// [03MAY2007]

History ThumbnailCameraCO - Kevin S. Brennan Commander Brennan was born and raised in Malden , Massachusetts . A graduate of Fitchburg State College, he was commissioned through the Aviation Officer Candidate School in July 1988. After earning his "Wings of Gold" at Mather AFB in Sacramento , CA , he attended initial P-3C fleet replacement training at VP-30 in Jacksonville , Florida .

In January 1990, he reported to Patrol Squadron FIVE and made deployments to Rota , Spain ; Lajes, Azores; and Souda Bay , Crete , flying support missions during Operation DESERT STORM. In 1992, he deployed to Keflavik , Iceland where the "Mad Foxes" received the COMNAVAIRLANT Battle "E" Award and Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) excellence.

In 1993, he joined the staff of Commander, Patrol Wing FIVE in Brunswick , Maine as a Wing Weapons System Instructor/Qualifier and the Wing's Tactics/ORE Officer. During this tour, he also acted as the Wing's underway P-3 Liaison Officer for numerous Joint Task Force Exercises and as the assistant Officer in Charge of ICEX-94. This multi-national research exercise flew numerous ASW missions from Thule AFB Greenland over the polar ice packs.

In March 1996, he reported onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer and made deployments to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf theaters. In addition to serving as the V-3 Division Officer, he earned additional underway qualifications as a Conning Alongside, Helicopter Control Officer and Command Duty Officer Underway.

Following a brief tour on the staff of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance GROUP as a long range planning officer and Battle Group coordinator, CDR Brennan completed refresher P-3C training before reporting onboard Patrol Squadron EIGHT in September 1999. During his department head tour, VP-8 deployed to Sigonella , Italy where they participated in Operations JOINT GUARDIAN and DELIBERATE FORGE, supporting the end of conflicts in the Former Republics of Yugoslavia and the liberation of Kosovo and earning the command's eighth Battle "E" Award. He also deployed to Keflavik , Iceland where he served as the command's Officer in Charge working for Commander, Task Force 84 and Commander, Iceland Defense Forces.

CDR Brennan transferred to the Pentagon in April 2002 to act as the Navy's Congressional Liaison for Aviation Budget Matters on the staff of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller (ASN-FMC). In this capacity, he served as the Navy's primary contact to the Defense Appropriations Committees.

In March 2005, CDR Brennan screened for initial aviation operational command and reported onboard Patrol Squadron TEN in May 2006.

During shore assignments, CDR Brennan earned an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and completed the U.S. Air Force's Senior Air War College non-resident program. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

History ThumbnailCameraXO - CDR Kevin M. McGowan Commander Kevin M. McGowan is a native of Erie , Pennsylvania and a 1990 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned an engineering degree and his commission as an Ensign. After completing Naval Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas; he earned his "Wings of Gold" and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1992.

Commander McGowan completed FRS training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY and joined Patrol Squadron ELEVEN in Brunswick , Maine in November 1993 for his first sea tour. During his tour with the "Pegasus" he served as the Ground Safety Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Pilot NATOPS Officer, and Safety/NATOPS Department Head and qualified as a Mission Commander, Instructor Pilot and NATOPS Evaluator. He completed counter-drug deployments to Puerto Rico/Panama/Honduras and a deployment to Sigonella , Sicily in support of combat operations in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He additionally led a detachment to Africa as part of Operation ASSURED RESPONSE over Liberia . At the completion of his tour in 1996, Patrol Squadron ELEVEN was decommissioned.

Commander McGowan's next assignment was to Patrol Squadron THIRTY as an FRS Instructor Pilot. As part of the "Pro's Nest," he served as the Command Security Manager, Aircrew Division Officer, and the Quality Assurance Officer. He completed his instructor tour at the FRS as the lead FRS IUT Instructor Pilot and with the highest sortie completion rate on record.

In 1999, Commander McGowan reported aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the Assistant Navigator (ANAV). During this tour he qualified as Officer of the Deck Underway and completed a full deployment to the Arabian Gulf . In 2001, he was recognized as the LANTFLT Shiphandler of the Year. Additionally, he became the first non-nuclear officer to qualify as Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) aboard a Nimitz class CVN. At the completion of his tour he returned to VP-30 in for refresher flight training prior to his Department Head tour.

In 2001, CDR McGowan reported to Patrol Squadron TWENTY SIX for his Department Head tour where he served as the Command Services Officer, CTG OPS Officer, Training Department Head, and Operations Officer. While assigned to the TRIDENTS, he deployed to Puerto Rico in support of the SOUTHCOM counter-drug mission and additionally served as the OIC in Keflavik , Iceland .

In November 2004, CDR McGowan reported to Commander Naval Personnel Command in Millington , Tennessee to serve as the VP/VQ Air Combat Placement Officer in PERS 43. Following his tour at BUPERS, he reported to the Naval War College in Newport , Rhode Island where he earned his Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2006.

In March 2006, CDR McGowan was selected for initial aviation operational command. He reported to the RED LANCERS of Patrol Squadron TEN for duty as the Executive Officer in March 2007.

CDR McGowan is married to the former Amber J. Neville of Annapolis , Maryland . They currently reside in the town of Phippsburg , Maine with their three sons Connor, Keegan, and Aidan; and their daughter Maeve.

History ThumbnailCameraCMC - Daniel J. Nicholson Master Chief Petty Officer Daniel J. Nicholson was born in Reading , Massachusetts . After attending Reading High School in 1982, he began his naval service in July of the same year. He completed basic training at Recruit Training Command in Orlando , Florida , where he remained to attend Quartermaster "A" school.

Following "A" school, Master Chief Nicholson reported aboard USS JOHN KING (DDG-3) for his initial tour of duty. Four years and two Middle East deployments later, he received follow-on orders to the USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58). In April 1988 while conducting convoy escort operations in the Persian Gulf , the ROBERTS struck an underwater mine that caused numerous fires and severe flooding throughout the ship. The crew's quick action and heroic efforts saved ROBERTS; enabling the ship to not only survive, but continue fighting for another day. For his part in the massive firefighting and shoring efforts, Master Chief Nicholson received honors from the Secretary of the Navy.

May 1989, he reported to the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center as the Craft Master and Officer-in-Charge of a 135-foot diving tender. Master Chief Nicholson then reported to USS SUNBIRD (ASR-15) in May 1991 as Navigator. He remained aboard SUNBIRD until her decommissioning in June 1993. His next assignment was aboard USS SPRAGUE (FFG-16) in August 1993, where he assumed duties as the Assistant Navigator. During his tour aboard, he was credited with saving the lives of 27 Haitian immigrants from a sinking vessel while SPRAGUE was involved in embargo operations off the Haitian coast.

In 1995, Master Chief Nicholson was named Sailor of the Year for the U.S Atlantic Fleet and served a two-year tour with the Fleet Master Chief, U.S Atlantic Fleet. For his follow-on assignment, he assumed duties as Command Senior Chief aboard USS CONSTITUTION in June 1996. When CONSTITUTION sailed under her own power for the first time in over one hundred years, Master Chief Nicholson was the ship's Navigator.

Graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy in 1999, he served a short tour at Surface Warfare Officers School Command where he earned his Master Training Specialist rating.

In 2000 Master Chief Nicholson received the honor of being chosen as Rhode Island 's "Military Man of the Year."

Master Chief Nicholson reported aboard USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD 41) in August 2000. Initially, he assumed the responsibilities as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for the Navigation and Administration Department, but following his acceptance into the Command Master Chief Program in 2001 Master Chief Nicholson remained aboard WHIDBEY ISLAND as Command Master Chief. Master Chief served as Wing Master Chief at COMPATRECONWING FIVE from August 2003 – June 2006 and reported to VP10 in June 2006.

Master Chief Nicholson is entitled to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards, Navy commendation Medal with the Bronze "V" for Valor (five awards), the Navy achievement Medal (six awards), the Combat Action Ribbon along with numerous other awards.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Ceremony to mark transfer of VP-10 leadership portends future closure moves - Seth Koenig - 04/16/2007 - Posted with permission of The Times Record..." WebSite: The Times Record http://www.timesrecord.com/ website/ main.nsf/ news.nsf/0/ 3257A54633700ED9052572BF0063BB0D? Opendocument [17APR2007]

BRUNSWICK — The change of command ceremony for VP-10 Friday at NAS Brunswick, Maine gave the community another reminder of what it will be losing when the base closes in 2011.

Nearly 1,300 miles south that same day, a groundbreaking ceremony for the giant new hangar that will eventually serve as VP-10's new home gave NAS Jacksonville, Florida personnel another reminder of what's coming.

VP-10 — considered one of the original patrol squadrons in aviation history — has been based in NAS Brunswick, Maine since 1952. After an upcoming deployment to air bases in the Pacific, the squadron will return to the local base for a year before another deployment.

Upon the return stateside from that second deployment — in 2009 — VP-10 is slated to pull into NAS Jacksonville, Florida's glistening new 277,000-square-foot hangar — scheduled to be completed within months of the NAS Brunswick, Maine squadron's arrival.

The $123 million project will have room for seven squadrons, about 33 P-3 Orions and office space for more than 1,600 personnel.

"It's probably the largest hangar in the Navy inventory right now," Kevin Lewis, principal architect with the building-design firm, told the Florida Times-Union. "The challenge is to take a huge facility and bring some human scale to it."

In NAS Brunswick, Maine, VP-10 — the "Red Lancers" — has carried with it a local tie to military aviation history.

According to a written history of VP-10 available at Friday's change of command ceremony, "the squadron established a world record for non-stop formation trans-Pacific flight in 1935 with a 24-hour transit from San Francisco to Hawaii."

Many years and tours later, the squadron broke its own record in 2000 by blocking the import of 34 metric tons of narcotics — worth more than $5 billion.

With a deployment to Japan on the horizon Friday, Cmdr. William W. Wheeler handed leadership of VP-10 over to new Commanding Officer Kevin S. Brennan. The ceremony included the remarks of former Georgia Tech and San Diego Charger football coach Bobby Ross.

"The thing I'm going to miss most are the people," said Wheeler.

Brennan said that in the squadron's tours abroad, VP-10 will pledge to "leave every place better than how we found it."

It won't be long before those comments apply to NAS Brunswick, Maine.

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]


Circa 2006

HistoryA 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
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VP-10 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
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VP-26 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
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VP-92 Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
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Other Aircraft at NAS Brunswick, Maine
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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-012 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa, assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), performs a ground maintenance turn to ensure the P-3C Orion is ready for flight. This routine test is performed as preventative maintenance prior to flight. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy News Stand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9426 [16NOV2006]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-011 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa, assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), closes the hatch of a P-3C Orion engine following routine maintenance. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy News Stand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9425 [16NOV2006]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-009 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa signals the start of a P-3C Orion engine assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) to Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Justin Metivier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy News Stand http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9424 [16NOV2006]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...What Do You Mean, It Didn't Go Out? - By LCdr. Kent Moore - Approach March - April 2006..." WebSite: Navy Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/marapr06/What_Do_You_Mean_It_Didn't_Go_Out.htm [27JUN2006]

I remembered thinking, "It doesn't get much better than this."

We were scheduled for an eight-hour, banker's-hours flight off the coast of Central America. Generally, every event is a zero-dark-30 (middle-of-the-night) preflight and launch for a 10-hour-plus grinder of a mission. I should have known then that what seemed to be a perfect day probably wasn't going to end that way.

I was just four months into my department-head tour and flying with a junior crew. I just had knocked off the rust from being out of the plane for two years. We had a gorgeous day, not a cloud in the sky, and just a calm breeze blowing. The crew was excited about flying; everything went like clockwork, and we got airborne 15 minutes early.

The mission proceeded as planned. About two hours after takeoff, I swapped seats with the 2P, then headed to the back of the plane for a break and something to eat. As I got halfway down the tube, the radar operator reported smelling fumes. I spun around and headed back up front. When I got there, the flight station already had been notified. The 2P and 3P had commenced a climb from 300 feet AGL and had initiated the fire-of-unknown-origin checklist.

I felt comfortable with the situation up front, so I went aft to perform runner duties, as discussed during our planeside brief. The runner relays information from the tube to the flight station and assists as necessary. I remember thinking, "It's probably some radio that's overheated, and this scenario would be an excellent training opportunity for the two junior pilots to work through an emergency checklist by themselves."

As I passed the main-load center to check in with the tactical coordinator (TACCO), the inflight tech (IFT) reported fumes were coming from the F rack. Yep, just as I had suspected, an overheated radio. At almost the same time, sensor operator one (SS1) reported flames coming from a box on the wall in the main-load center. I thought, "Flames, yeah, right." I peeked inside the main-load center to confirm. Yep, flames were coming up from the shroud that surrounds transfer relay No. 2. The off-duty flight engineer had arrived on scene and agreed the flames were from transfer relay No. 2.

I headed to the flight station to direct the securing of the No. 2 generator and the pulling of the Bus A, control circuit breaker to cut all possible power sources to the transfer relay. Once all power was secured, the TACCO directed the discharge of a portable fire extinguisher into the shroud of transfer relay No. 2. The flames had subsided, but the relay still glowed.

I felt uncomfortable not being in the left seat, so I initiated a three-way seat swap to get my 2P in the right seat. About the time I got strapped in, the TACCO reported that flames had returned.

I thought, "OK, we've secured all possible sources of power to this thing and put a fire extinguisher on it. What do you mean it didn't go out? That can't happen, can it? So, now what do we do?"

We guessed that the transfer relay still had power. We recalled the aircraft-discrepancy book (ADB) documented problems with the No. 2 generator and supervisory panel, and we also knew a generator still would supply power to the panel as long as the engine was rotating. Base on this information we secured the No. 2 engine. Seconds after E-handling the motor, the TACCO reported the flames were dissipating.

The No. 2 engine failed to completely feather because of a loss of Bus A. We quickly reset the Bus A, control circuit breaker to let the prop feather and then tried again. We opened the aux vent to help get the fumes out of the aircraft as quickly as possible.

We already were pointed toward home and, because we had only been 70 miles away when this thing started, we quickly declared an emergency and had an uneventful 112K landing. Afterward, the IFT and SS1 reported some symptoms of smoke inhalation, so I directed the whole crew to see the corpsman. Everyone was medically cleared by the next day.

I don't know what caused the fire to keep going. At the time of the emergency, my concerns were a fire in the main-load center that wouldn't extinguish, the safety of the crew, and getting the aircraft on deck.

Having an emergency like this wasn't on my top-10 list of things to do.

We learned a few things that day. Our NATOPS has undergone continuous refinement for 40 years. Its preface will tell you that procedures are only guides to action, "not a substitute for sound judgment." NATOPS can't possibly cover everything that can fail on an aircraft, especially an aging aircraft like the mighty P-3. Increasingly, we see malfunctions and emergencies not addressed in NATOPS. When something unusual happens, we must fall back on fundamental systems knowledge. NATOPS procedures are written from systems knowledge, not the other way around; a specific malfunction and situation may require a modification of NATOPS procedures.

Crew coordination was a major factor in handling this emergency, and we all were on the same page as the emergency progressed. The only time it got a little strained was during our three-way seat swap. You always hear people say, "Oh, that never will happen." But, unlikely things can and do happen all the time.

I've done plenty of fire-of-unknown-origin drills but never one where I wasn't in the seat or where the fire didn't go out. Everyone knew their job, how their role fit, and everyone contributed. This was our first fire on board an aircraft as a crew; we won't complain if we don't see another one.

LCdr. Moore flies with VP-10.

Great timely article submission via Approach. LCdr. Moore also submitted this hazard in a hazrep in WESS. BZ to VP-10 for reporting. Thanks for helping us all gain from your experience.—RAdm. Rico Mayer, Naval Safety Center.


Circa 2005

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...//NO1650// - MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO N09F/10A/APR// - SUBJ/CNO ANNUAL AVIATION SAFETY AWARDS// - REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 1650.28// - NARR/REF A IS CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS AVIATION-RELATED SAFETY AWARDS// - POC/E. K. THOMPSON/CIV/NAVSAFECEN 10A/LOC:NORFOLK - /TEL:DSN 564-3520 X7226// - GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PER REF A THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS WINNERS OF THE CALENDAR YEAR 2005 CNO - AVIATION SAFETY AWARD (Few Squadrons Mentioned: VP-10, VP-92, VPU-2, VQ-1, VQ-2 and VX-1)..." WebSite: Safety Center http://safetycenter.navy.mil/awards/CNO_SafetyMsg05.txt [05JUN2006]

A. COMNAVAIRLANT

B. COMNAVAIRPACC. COMMARFORCOM
    MARINE TRANSPORTATION SQUADRON 1
    MARINE LIGHT/ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 167
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 264
    MARINE TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON 1
    MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 251
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 266
    MARINE LIGHT/ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 269
    MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 115
    MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 252
    MARINE ALL WEATHER FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 533
D. COMMARFORPAC
    MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 369
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 364
    MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 465
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 262
    MARINE ALL WEATHER FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 242
    MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 152
    MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 363
    MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 466
    MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK TRAINING SQUADRON 101
    MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON 211
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER TRAINING SQUADRON 164
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 161
    MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA
E. COMNAVAIRFORESF. CG FOURTH MAW
    MARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 773
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 774
    MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 764
    MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 142
    MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 452
G. NATRACOMH. COMNAVAIRSYSCOM
    AIR TEST AND EVALUATION SQUADRON 20
2.   REQUEST CONTROLLING CUSTODIANS DISSEMINATE INFO TO ALL WINNERS. CITATIONS AND PLAQUES WILL BE FORWARDED TO COGNIZANT CONTROLLING CUSTODIANS FOR PRESENTATION.

3.   THESE AWARD WINNERS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM, SOLID LEADERSHIP AND COMPETENT RISK MANAGEMENT THAT LEAD TO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS. VERY WELL DONE TO ALL HANDS.//

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Navy Marine Corps News - Aug 13, 2005 - Navy Family - VP-10...VIDEO..." WebSite: Navy News http://www.news.navy.mil/management/videodb/player/video.aspx?ID=5350 [14AUG2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP History ThumbnailCameraDonte Dukes / U.S. Navy "...Multinational force in 'Shark Hunt 2005' did OK, but could be better - Navy leaders studying results of antisubmarine warfare exercise - By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes - European edition, Monday, July 4, 2005..." WebSite: Stars and Stripes http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=29343&archive=true [14JUL2005]

Picture Caption: Submarines USS Philadelphia and USS Augusta sit alongside the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land at La Maddalena, Sardinia, after the conclusion of the three-week Operation Shark Hunt 2005, which ended last week.

In an underwater exercise that was sort of a cat-and-mouse hunt, U.S. and NATO navies fared well enough, but there's room for improvement in the tracking and keeping sight of enemy submarines, U.S. Navy leaders said.

About 2,000 troops from eight countries last week wrapped up the three-week-long, U.S.-led antisubmarine warfare exercise called Shark Hunt 2005 in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea that tested multinational air, surface, and sub-surface assets.

Leaders now begin deciphering what they learned and where to make improvements, they said in a phone interview from the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land, while docked at La Maddalena, Sardinia.

"We were successful in many aspects of the exercise, and it was very challenging in order to make it as real as possible … but we didn't have perfect control at all times," said Cmdr. Mike Haumer, commanding officer of the submarine USS Augusta.

A goal of the exercise was to have air and surface vessels track nuclear- and diesel-powered submarines, the latter of which are used by rival forces and operate in near silence, said Navy Capt. Robert Schmidt of U.S. Navy Europe Submarine Operations.

The USS Philadelphia played the part of the opposing submarine that U.S. and NATO forces were to track as it made its way from the East Coast of the United States through the Atlantic Ocean and into the Med, said commanding officer Cmdr. Steven Oxholm.

"We became the focal point for most of the effort for the exercises to locate and track," he said. NATO forces performed quite well, losing the location of the nuclear-powered submarine only a few times.

But the main thrust of the exercise was to further develop and improve communications between all the participating countries so that in future warfare, as military operations become more global and include coalition forces, communications won't be hindered, Schmidt said.

"The multinational, multi-platform [antisubmarine warfare] operations we've conducted in the Shark Hunt 05 exercise have replicated real-world ASW challenges we face today," Schmidt said. "Effective communications and familiarity with international operations procedures are musts for us to continue moving forward in our international Global War on Terrorism efforts. The participants did a great job coming together to achieve the exercise objectives."

The other participating countries include Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.

U.S. submarines included USS Augusta, USS Miami, USS Philadelphia and USS San Juan, and surface ships included the guided missile frigate USS Nicholas, and submarine tender USS Emory S. Land. The P-3 from VP-10 also participated in the exercise.


Circa 2004

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Magic Eight-Ball - by Lt. Lukas Filler/P-3 - Lt. Filler flies with VP-10..." Naval Safety Center WebSite: http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/media/approach/vault/articles/2004/0683.htm [04JUN2005]

Never discount the XO's 'magic eight ball'. Somewhere between the 'Stay Navy' discussion and a philosophical debate regarding the dichotomy between his VH1 and my MTV, the XO reaches for that mysterious oracle known as The Magic Eight-Ball.

'Will the FCF take off today?' He queries and shakes.

OUTCOME LIKELY

With a rapidly sinking sun and several ground checks remaining, I doubt it.

'Will the FCF go well?'

OUTCOME LOOKS POOR

Is this fortune-teller daring to contradict my near-perfect FCF record? Two powerful forces in conflict is never a good thing. Eight-ball or winning streak? Bob Dylan or 50 Cent?

'This plane is needed early tomorrow, let's get this done!'

First, a bolt is missing and it takes 20 minutes for it to be replaced. The sun sinks lower over horizon and the town of Brunswick. A bolt?! I defer to the experts, but...a bolt? A 'downer'? 20 minutes to replace?! Alas, the mighty Orion is showing its age.

Right before pulling out of the chocks, the overhead flight station hatch crashes open, missing my 4' 10" Flight Engineer by a hair-raising few inches.

How many aircrew does it take to close a hatch? More than we had. First individually, then as a team, we fail miserably. How can I not laugh? We all look at one another, anticipating maintenances' justified dubious and derisive reaction. We exchange another look- we know what we have to do. Without prompting the 2nd pilot starts the Secure Checklist.

Maintainers arrive and the first technician on the first try easily closes the hatch. Yeah, we feel stupid. We restart engines and perform the last ground checks during the taxi to the active runway. There is a brief discussion about how long the FCF will take and we double check sunset. We're pushing it, but it's not too late yet. One more delay though...

This was supposed to be an opportunity to go out and bounce, and as I had flown once in approximately 33 days, I was excited. But, as they say, 'It is never a good sign when the OPS O walks onto your plane shortly before starting engines.' Adaptability/Flexibility at its finest.

'Rotate' says the 2P and I do. The aircraft and finely honed aircrew work together as one entity as we break the surly bonds of earth.

'Gear up, please', 'Gear coming up', 'Gear is up' all come in rapid succession.

The fire detection horn activates. I shift my attention to the respective fire detection indicators and I get a glimpse of the #1 engine fire light as it extinguishes. Training kicks in, although, oddly enough, no adrenaline.

'I don't see any secondaries [indications]' the Flight Engineer says.

I look out at the #1 engine and see nothing abnormal, nor does the observer whom the 2nd pilot queried immediately.

There are checklists to be done, ATC is on their second or third call to us, etc. Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. I devote most of my attention to ensuring a safe departure, 2nd pilot to the radios, all of us address the checklists, and the FE scrutinizes the #1 engine gauges. Meanwhile, we are all searching for a possible explanation for the momentary fire light/horn.

During training, we simulate the fairly common fire detector malfunction. Horn and light activate, are silenced IAW NATOPS, and then continues to reactivate. No secondary indication of fire, but the system continues to activate. 'Shut 'er down' is the proper action. In an applicable HAZREP, the causal factor was a fire detection element bent out of limits, causing a connection of the circuit that would affect multiple (or continuous) activations. But, in our case, there is no more actuation of the system.

What else?

Our fire detection system actuates at a specific temperature. Other than fire, plausible causes include a bleed air leak (no evidence in this case) and a lack of cooling airflow to the engine. Hmm, that rings a bell.

A NOTE in NATOPS (somewhere) about 'Operating at high power settings, high AOA, and low airspeeds may induce a valid fire warning' came to mind. My inexperienced reasoning went like this,' On a scale of 0(C to 1077(C TIT, 950 is 'high'. With a rotate speed of 115 knots and a max of 405, 150 knots is 'low'.' An improvement on some aircraft (such as this one) where the flight instruments have been updated and moved (different scan), a history of inaccurate (broken or sticky) gauges, and our platforms' only occasional use of AOA, I did not see what our AOA was. 'But takeoff is one of our highest AOA regimes' I reflect.

Heck, I know at high AOAs our icing detector can come on (for the same reason) and we don't turn on our foul weather systems.

We were sufficiently safe to discuss what happened by now. Employing 'Assertiveness', I voice my thoughts. The FE recalls the same note. No doubt our inability to close a hatch influenced our thought process- a nagging 'the P-3 has a way of hiccupping when nothing is wrong'. How many times in three and a half years has this happened?!

We present to ourselves a very convincing argument... if I do say so myself. When a senior IP and the NATOPS IFE are making sense, it is only natural for a 2nd pilot to believe it reasonable too. He nods his head in concurrence.

Still utilizing CRM, we open NATOPS and review the portion regarding High AOA, low airspeed, high power settings. Did you hear that? It was the sound of CRM breaking down!

Amazing how NATOPS seemed to completely agree with our theory. We all focused on the portions that supported our theory- our sub-conscious subtly smoothing over any discordant facts to arrive at the reasoning we had already predetermined to be the correct answer.

What we did not consider was that perhaps there was a momentary, valid source of heat sufficiently hot enough to activate the fire warning system. In this case, a high-voltage short-circuiting of chaffed propeller de-ice wires against the engine shield. This possibility never crossed our mind and is not covered in training - that is the point of a circuit breaker, is it not?

The correct procedure would have been to shut the engine down, regardless. Personal historical experience set an erroneous precedent of being suspicious of relying on a single system for accurate information. No supporting evidence only exacerbated my doubt in the veracity of the system. Training had preconditioned me to expect specific indications; a lack thereof causing me to exclude still-legitimate possibilities. Non-standard indications mislead me into believing this was a non-standard malfunction and should approach it as such.

Perceived pressure, a rapid shift in missions, and time constraints were all ORM issues from the start. The biggest mistake was simply every one of us latching onto a reasonable-sounding, albeit incorrect, explanation without proper and thorough discussion of other possible causes or full exploration of the proper procedures as delineated by NATOPS. Had we spent more time employing CRM and thereby fully discussed what we had and what we should have done, we may not have talked ourselves into the incorrect conclusions and incorrect actions. "Emergency procedures are guides to action and are not a substitute for the exercise of good judgment," says the good book.

We were lucky this time. The venerable Orion forgives another crew. The eight-ball is never wrong.


Circa 2003

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...The Fighting Lancers of VP-10 - Wings of Gold, Winter 2003..." [28MAR2005]

VP-10 traces its official heritage to 1930 with the establishment of VPB-10S. The squadron was a forerunner in the development of long range MPA scouting, surveillance and bombing tactics. It held several other designations before acquiring its current title.

Eight of the squadrons 12 PBY Catalinas were damanged or destroyed at Pearl Harbor but in June 1942, it was a squadron Catalina that became the first to locate and report the position of four Japanese carriers. This sighting became a prelude to the historic Battle of Midway. The squadron served with distinction throughout the war.

VP-10 was disestablished in 1946 but returned to active status at NAS Jacksonville, Florida in 1951 flying PB4Y Privateers. It acquired P2V Neptunes in 1952 and moved to its current home base at NAS Brunswick, Maine.

VP-10 received P-3As in 1965 and a year later P-SBs which aircrews flew until 1980 when P3C Update Us and improved versions of the Orion came long.

The Fighting Lancers supported numerous operations over the years including Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Restore Hope, Deliberate Forge, Eagle Eye, Allied Forece and Nobile Anvil, most in the fromer Yugoslavia era.

VP-10 has earned many accolades, not the least of which were a remarkable eight CNO Safety Awards.

VP-10's CO is CDR Chuck Sitarski. The XO is CDR Rodger M. Henze.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY:  History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-012 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa, assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), performs a ground maintenance turn to ensure the P-3C Orion is ready for flight. This routine test is performed as preventative maintenance prior to flight. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9426 [05MAR2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY:  History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-011 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa, assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), closes the hatch of a P-3C Orion engine following routine maintenance. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9425 [05MAR2005]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY:  History ThumbnailCamera030820-N-9779P-009 Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. (Aug. 20, 2003) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Augstin Delarosa signals the start of a P-3C Orion engine assigned to the "Red Lancers" of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) to Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Justin Metivier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Andrea L. Pearson. (RELEASED)..." Navy News Stand http://newshome.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=9424 [05MAR2005]


Circa 2002

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 Holds Change of Command - Story Number: NNS020621-09 - Release Date: 6/21/2002 11:39:00 AM - By Lt j.g. Daniel Crites, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs..." Navy News Stand WebSite http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2029

SIGONELLA, Italy (NNS) -- VP-10 conducted its 65th Change of Command ceremony on June 7th.

The ceremony concluded an extremely accomplished tour for the outgoing Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Kelly M. Johnson, a native of Billings, Montana.

The ceremony included honored guests, Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean Rear Adm. Helms, family members, and the support of the entire squadron saying farewell to Johnson while welcoming the new Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Chuck Sitarski.

The Change of Command ceremony culminated a highly successful tour for Johnson. Johnson effectively transitioned the Red Lancers through a challenging and enthusiastic Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC) into a very demanding Mediterranean deployment in Sigonella, Sicily encompassing Souda Bay, Crete as well as several detachment sites to various European countries.

Throughout its IDTC, the squadron supported the fleet in numerous operations such as the Jacksonville Joint Task Force Exercise, and Operation Noble Eagle, in addition to providing aircraft for several air shows across the United States as far away as Alaska.

Johnson's superb operational vision and inspirational leadership elevated the command to unsurpassed levels of achievement. Under his charge, Patrol Squadron Ten charted a new course for the operational employment of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft. His aircrews safely flew the highest amount of hours yet in theater and participated in several high visibility NATO and multi-national exercises such as Joint Guardian, Deliberate Forge, and Enduring Freedom.

His guidance led the command to 100 percent combat readiness, while surpassing 29 years of mishap-free flight operations.

He attended the University of Montana and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Management in August of 1980. Johnson joined the Navy when he entered into the Aviation Officer Candidate School in February 1983, receiving his commission in May of 1983. Completing his initial flight training in March of 1984, Commander Johnson was designated a Naval Flight Officer where he was subsequently assigned to the Navy's patrol squadron community.

Johnson's first tour of duty was with VP-160 in NAS Jacksonville, Florida. His duties included Maintenance Branch Officer, NFO NATOPS Officer, and Aircraft Division Officer. Johnson reported to Patrol Squadron Ten as Executive Officer in June 2000.

Johnson's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (2), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), the Navy Battle "E" Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (5), the Coast Guard Special Operations Service Award, and the Pistol Marksmanship Award.

The newest Commanding Officer, Cdr. Chuck Sitarski will be tasked to lead the Red Lancers through the remainder of the their deployment in NAS Sigonella, Sicily and then into the following IDTC. Sitarski entered the Naval Academy in July 1979 after a year in the USNA Foundation Program and graduated with the Class of 1983. Prior to reporting to Flight School, CDR Sitarski was assigned to CTG 168.4 in Munich, Germany as a German language translator.

Cmdr. Sitarski earned his wings in May of 1985 from VT-31 and reported to the VP-56 "Dragons" in December 1985. During his first tour, he was designated as an Instructor Pilot and Bear Trap Mission Commander while deploying twice to Sigonella and once to Bermuda. During the Bermuda deployment, he also participated in UNITAS detachments.

In July 1989, Sitarski reported to the VP-30 "Pro's Nest" for instructor duty. He served as the Flight Officer, Assistant Pilot Training Officer, IUT STAN Officer and Pilot Training Officer.

In February 1992, he reported to Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command, home ported in Manama, NSA Bahrain aboard the Flagship USS LaSalle (AGF-3) for duty as the Flag Secretary. After two years as the Patrol Wing ELEVEN Safety/NATOPS Officer, Sitarski reported to the VP-5 "Mad Foxes" in Jacksonville in July 1995.

VP-5 twice made tri-site deployments to NS Roosevelt Roads, PR, NAS Keflavik, Iceland and Panama and participated in UNITAS during the home cycle. Sitarski served as Assistant Maintenance Officer, Safety/NATOPS Officer and Maintenance Officer.

In July 1997, Sitarski reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Arlington, VA where he served on the PERS-83 Staff and in May of 1998, he reported to the U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. While assigned to the Operations Directorate, he served in the Current Operations Division as Command Director and as Head, Current OPS Branch Air Cell until December 2000. He has flown over 3,300 hours in the P-3 and his awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Navy Commendation Medal (four).

VP-10 also welcomed its newest Executive Officer, CDR Roger H. Henze. Henze. Henze's last tour was to Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing FIVE as Operations Officer and he is a 1983 graduate of Texas Christian University with a degree in Finance. He earned his wings in May 1985 following completion of Aviation Officer Candidate School as a Distinguished Graduate Fair Winds and Following Seas, Cmdr. Kelly M. Johnson. Congratulations to Skipper Chuck Sitarski.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 Assists In Crew of Lost Helicopter..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1078 [28MAR2002]

Crew of Lost Helicopter Declared Deceased
Story Number: NNS020315-10
3/15/2002
From 6th Fleet Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- All three crew members of the helicopter that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea March 12 have been declared deceased.

The crew members, who were attached to Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 46, home ported in Mayport, Fla., were identified as Lt. Terri Sue Fussner, 27, of Manchester, Mo.; Lt. Wayne Francis Roberts, 34, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jason Edward Lawson, 21, of Smyrna, Ga.

Embarked aboard USS Hayler (DD 997), the SH-60B Seahawk was conducting a routine flight when it crashed. Hayler initiated search-and-rescue efforts immediately after losing radar contact and communications with the helicopter, which continued throughout the night before being called off the afternoon of March 13.

The search, which included Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) from both USS Hayler (DD 997) and USS Ross (DDG 71) and was joined by a P-3 Orion from VP-10, a nearby British C-130 and another C-130 from Greece covered an area of 1,000 square miles.

The Navy is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-10 Assists In Crew of Lost Helicopter..." Navy News Stand http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1078 [28MAR2002]

Crew of Lost Helicopter Declared Deceased
Story Number: NNS020315-10
3/15/2002
From 6th Fleet Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- All three crew members of the helicopter that crashed into the Mediterranean Sea March 12 have been declared deceased.

The crew members, who were attached to Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 46, home ported in Mayport, Fla., were identified as Lt. Terri Sue Fussner, 27, of Manchester, Mo.; Lt. Wayne Francis Roberts, 34, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jason Edward Lawson, 21, of Smyrna, Ga.

Embarked aboard USS Hayler (DD 997), the SH-60B Seahawk was conducting a routine flight when it crashed. Hayler initiated search-and-rescue efforts immediately after losing radar contact and communications with the helicopter, which continued throughout the night before being called off the afternoon of March 13.

The search, which included Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB) from both USS Hayler (DD 997) and USS Ross (DDG 71) and was joined by a P-3 Orion from VP-10, a nearby British C-130 and another C-130 from Greece covered an area of 1,000 square miles.

The Navy is conducting an investigation into the cause of the accident.


Circa 2001

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Awards "...AECS Bill Rutledge, Retired brutledge@worldnet.att.net being inducted into the Enlisted Air Crewman Roll of Honor November 9, 2001 (in uniform). Chief Rutledge served with VP-10 and VP-50. On the left of Chief Rutledge is Chief Lee Hicks (another November 2001 inductee) who served with VP-4..." Contributed by Lee Hicks leebo96@hotmail.com [E-Mail Posted 17JAN2002 | 11JAN2002]


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