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HistoryVP-19 HistoryHistory

Circa 1989

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July-August 1989 "...Awards - Change-Of-Command - Page 26, 29, and 31 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1989..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1989/ja89.pdf [22OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-19 WestPac NAS Misawa, Japan Deployment 1989 Cruisebook..." [21MAR2001]

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN, the "BIG RED" squadron, is homeported at NAS Moffett Field, California, and deploys throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The squadron's primary missions are Anti-Submarine (ASW) and Anti-Surface Unit Warfare (ASUW), with secondary missions of Aerial Mining, Surveillance/ Reconnaissance, and Search and Rescue (SAR). To accomplish its missions, the squadron flies the P-3C "Update" Orion, a sophisticated computer-controlled version of the fleet's standard land--based fixed-wing patrol aircraft. Boasting approximately 65 officers and 275 enlisted personnel. VP-19 supports eleven aircrews who man the squadron's nine aircraft.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN was originally commissioned as reserve unit VPB-907 in 1946. In December 1946, the unit was redesignated VP-871 and moved from NAS Livermore, California, to NAS Oakland, California. The squadron was activated during the Korean conflict and deployed to Japan in the PB4Y-2 aircraft. During this period, the squadron patrolled waters west of Japan and flew night fiare-dropping missions over Korea, illuminating enemy targets for night fighting U.S. ground forces. Because of the red-tinged flares, the squadron was tagged "BIG RED".

In 1953, the squadron was designated VP-19, and transitioned to P2V-5 NEPTUNES. Ten years later the command again transitioned, this time to the P-3A ORION and moved from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Moffett Field, California. Following another transition to the P-3B ORION, the command flew over 8000 hours in support of Vietnam operations and the USS PUEBLO crisis while on a 1968 deployment to Japan. In May of 1975, VP-19 became the first patrol squadron to receive the P-3C "Update" ORION.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN has deployed to various sites throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These sites include: NAS Iwakuni, Japan, Okinawa, and NAS Misawa, Japan; NAS Adak, Alaska; NAS Cubi Point, Philippines; and the island of NSF Diego Garcia.

The squadron has supported many critical operations and participated in numerous military exercises. "BIG RED" participated in Operation "FREQUENT WIND," the highly publicized refugee evacuation of South Vietnam. In 1975 the squadron was a major participant in "VALIANT HERIT AGE," the largest Pacific Fleet readiness exercise of the decade. VP-19 was also a key player in "FLEETEX 83-1," the largest military exercise in the North Pacific since World War II. The squadron has conducted many Medical Evacuation flights and Search and Rescue missions that have gained VP-19 international recognition.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN's many achievements have been recognized throughout the years with a multitude of awards and citations. These awards include: four Meritorious Unit Commendations, four Battle Efficiency "E" Awards, the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy for ASW Excellence, three A VCM Donald M. Neal "GOLDEN WRENCH" Awards for superlative aircraft maintenance, four consecutive Silver Shutter Awards for excellence in aerial intelligence photography, and six Platinum Link Awards.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN has been awarded two Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals for service during Operation "FREQUENT WIND," and for operations in the Persian Gulf region in 1987.


Circa 1988

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September-October 1988 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 28 to 30 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1988..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1988/so88.pdf [21OCT2004]

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Circa 1987

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January-February 1987 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 76 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1987..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1987/jf87.pdf [20OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January-February 1987 "...Tracing Squadron Lineage - Page 22 to 26 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1987..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1987/jf87.pdf [20OCT2004]

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Circa 1986

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-19 Logo Thumbnail "...Marcot 1986...Presented to NAS Moffett Field, California...VP-19...From WO's & SGT's Mess...CFB Comox...This is a plaque from U.S. Navy Patrol Squadron 19. It was present from the WO's and SGT's of the Candian Froces Base in Comox Canada. The emblem on the left of the plaque is "Canadian Forces Base COMOX at Quanesut". The emblem on the right is "Royal Canadian Air Force" ..." [05MAY2000]

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VPNAVY BookTitle: "Patrol Squadron NINETEEN 1986 WestPac Deployment..." [05SEP2000]

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN was originally commissioned as reserve unit, VPB-907 in 1946. In December, 1946, the squadron was redesignated VP-871 and moved from NAS Livermore, California to NAS Oakland, California. The squadron was activated during the Korean conflict and deployed to Japan in the PB4Y-2 aircraft. During this period, VP-19 patrolled the waters west of Japan and flew night flaredropping missions over Korea, illuminating enemy targets for night fighting U.S. ground forces. Because of the use of red-tinged flares, the squadron was tagged "BIG RED"

In 1953, the squadron was designated VP-19, and transitioned to P2V-5 NEPTUNES. Ten years later, the command again transitioned this time to the P-3A ORION -and moved from NAS Alameda to NAS Moffett Field. Following another transition to the P-3B ORION, the command flew over 8000 hours in support of Vietnam operations and the USS PUEBLO crisis while on a 1968 deployment in Japan. In May of 1975, VP-19 became the first patrol squadron to receive the P-3C "Update" ORION.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN has deployed to various sites throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These sites include Iwakuni, Okinawa and Misawa Japan; Adak Alaska; Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines and Diego Garcia Island, Indian Ocean.

The squadron has supported many critical operations and participation ed in various military ex~rcises. "BIG RED" participated in Operation "FREQUENT WIND", the highly publicized refugee evacuation of South Vietnam. In 1975, the squadron was a main participant in "VALIANT HERITAGE", the largest Pacific Fleet readiness exercise of the decade. VP-19 was also a key player in "FLEETEX 83-1", the largest military exercise in the North Pacific since World War II. The squadron has conducted many Medical Evacuation Flights and a few SAR missions that have gained VP-19 international recognition.

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN's many achievements have been recognized throughout the years with a multitude of awards and citations. These awards include four Battle Efficiency "E" awards, two of which were held consecutively; the Isabell Trophy for ASW Excellence; four consecutive Silver Shutter Awards for Aerial Intelligence Photography excellence; two CNO Maintenance Awards; consecutive Platinum Link Awards and the AVCM Donald M. Neal "GOLDEN WRENCH" award. .

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during Operation "FREQUENT WIND", and four Meritorious Unit Citations.

Team work and professionalism are "BIG RED" traditions.


Circa 1985

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May-June 1985 "...Awards - Page 38 - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/mj85.pdf [18OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March-April 1985 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 1, 30 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1985..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1985/ma85.pdf [18OCT2004]

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Circa 1984

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July-August 1984 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 37, 38 and 40 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/ja84.pdf [17OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January-February 1984 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 30 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1984..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1984/jf84.pdf [17OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...1984 Winners of the AVCM Donald M. Neal Aircraft Maintenance Award...VP-16, VP-19, and VP-66..." Contributed by Paul J. Waeghe, AFCM Retired pjwaeghe@bellsouth.net [27FEB98]


Circa 1983

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1983 "...Awards - Records - Page 44 - Naval Aviation News - January 1983..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1983/jan83.pdf [17OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: VP-19 History "...Change of Command - 2 September 1983 - Commander James S. Humphrey III, USN will be relieved by Commander Donald C. Hefkin, USN..." [09MAY2002]

Patrol Squadron NINETEEN welcomes you to our Change of Command. This afternoon's ceremony marks the 30th change in leadership since the squadron's official designation in 1953. The officers and men of VP-19 take great pride in the squadron's past accomplishments and view today's ceremony as an important moment in our history.

Upon arrival of military dignitaries receiving honors, guests in uniform should rise and render salutes along with the squadron. All guests should rise for the Parade of Colors, National Anthem, Invocation, Benediction and Retirement of Colors.

Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments will be served in the hangar. You are also invited to tour one of the two VP-19 P-3 (Update) aircraft on display.

Arrival of Distinguished Guests Parade of Colors National Anthem Invocation

Lieutenant Commander L. RECTOR. U.S. Navy

Guest Speaker
Commodore D. J. WOLKENSDORFER. U.S. Navy

Remarks and Reading of Orders
Commander James S. HUMPHREY III

Reading of Orders and Remarks
Commander Donald C. HEFKIN. U.S. Navy

Benediction
Lieutenant Commander L. Rector. U.S. Navy


Commanding Officers of Patrol Squadron NINETEEN

CDR. B. WAYNE
1953-1954

CDR F. P. CUCCIAS
1954-1956

CDR R. E. STARKEY
1956-1957

CDRA E. MIX
1957-1958

CDR E. E. WOOD
1958-1959

CDR B. B. SMITH
1959-1960

CDR P. C. COOPER
1960-1961

CDR R. E. ANGLEMYER
1961-1962

CDR R. E. BURRELL
1962-1963 CDR R. D. GLESS
1963-1964

CDR D. HOWARD
1964-1965

CDR A P. LESPERANCE
1965-1966

CDR G. L. PAGE
1966-1967

CDR F. H. BARKER
1967-1968

CDR R. A COOKE
1968-1969

CDR D. R. YEAGER
1969-1970

CDR AW. CRANDALL
1970-1971

CDR H. A TAYLOR
1971-1972

CDR H. L. PLOWMAN
1972-1973

CDR L. V. RABUCK
1973-1974

CDR C. LEBAN
1974-1975

CDR K. J. FREDERICK
1975-1976

CDR G. R. SCHROEDER
1976-1977

CDR A C. A JAMPOLER
1977-1978

CDR N. C. LORD
1978-1979

CDR P. C. MOESSNER
1979-1980

CDR H. R. McDANIEL
1980-1981

CDR J. P. BROCKLEY
1981-1982

CDR J. S. HUMPHREY. III
1982-1983

CDR D. C. HEFKIN
1983-


COMMODORE DANIEL J. WOLKENSDORFER


Commodore Daniel J. Wolkensdorferwas born in McCook. Nebraska. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1955 and was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at that school. He reported to the Naval Air Training Command in June 1955 and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1956. He then completed two consecutive patrol squadron tours, first with VP-18 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. and then with VP-11 at NAS Brunswick, Maine, both flying the P2 "Neptune" in July 1960, he reported to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California. where he earned a Master of Science degree in Physics and was elected to the honorary research fraternity, Sigma Xi. In November 1963, he reported to his third VP squadron, VP-24 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. Virginia. Following that tour. he served with the Commander Fleet Air Wings, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Staff. as the Tactical Analysis Director of Task Group Delta In February 1968, he received orders to the Center for Naval Analyses in Washington, D.C.. where he served as a Study Director for Advanced ASW Projects until April 1971 when he reported to VP-47 at NAS Moffett Field, California. He commanded that P-3C squadron from April 1972 to April 1973. He was then assigned to the staff of Commander Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet until July 1973, when he reported to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Upon graduation in June 1974, he reported to VP-30 and assumed command of that squadron in January 1975. In May 1976, he reported as Head of the Air Branch of the Antisubmarine Warfare Division of the Antisubmarine Warfare and Ocean Survel1lance Programs Office for the Chief of Naval Operations. From September 1978 to July 1980, he served as CPW-2 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. In July 1980, he returned to Washington, D.C., to serve as Deputy Manager, Antisubmarine Warfare Systems Project. In August 1981, he reported to the U.S. Naval War College. Newport, Rhode Island, to serve as a Fellow with the Strategic Studies Group. Comodore Wolkensdorfer assumed command of Patrol Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet on 30 September 1982.

CAPTAIN JESSE J. HERNANDEZ


Captain Hernandez, a native of San Leandro, California. attended the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland from 1954 to 1958. Upon graduation, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida. Florida where he received his flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1960. His first operational tour was served with VP-46 at NAS North Island, San Diego, California and NAS Moffett Field, California. flying the P-5M "Marlin", P2V "Neptune", and P-3 "Orion" from 1960 to 1964.

In 1964 he was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Upon graduation he remained at "Pax River" until 1966 as a test pilot in the Flying Qualities and Performance Branch, Flight Test Division of the Naval Air Test Center.

Captian Hernandez spent the next two years at sea as the Flag Lieutenant to the Commander, Carrier Division SIX, serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theatres.

After attending the Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk. Virginia. Captain Hernandez returned to Moffett Field where he served from 1970 to 1971 as Maintenance Officer in Patrol Squadron FIF1Y with deployments to Guam; SangIey Point, RP.; Camranh Bay, South Vietnam; and Adak, Alaska,

After a tour with VX-1, Captain Hernandez returned to VP-46 as Executive Officer in 1975 and assumed command of that squadron in 1976. During this period VP-46 deployed to NAS Iwakuni, Japan and NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan.

Captain Hernandez spent 1977 and 1978 as a student at the National War College in Washington, D.C. He then served at the Naval Air Systems Command, first as the P-3 Assistant Program Manager for Engineering, and later as the Director of the Air Vehicle Division and Air Vehicle Directorate. He was then transferred to his new assignment as CPW-10 at NAS Moffett Field, California.

Captain Hernandez has earned a Master of Science degree in International Mairs from George Washington University.

COMMANDER JAMES S. HUMPHREY


Commander Humphrey. the son of a career Air Force pilot. was born at Eglin Air Force Base. Florida on 17 October 1945. He attended college in Munich. Germany and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida Afterward. he was accepted to Officer Candidate School and commissioned in the United States Navy Reserve on 1 May 1968.

During flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola he received his first exposure to the P-3 aircraft. and subsequently made it his goal to become selected as a member of the Patrol community. In July 1969. he earned the designation of Naval Aviator. and after P-3 Replacement Air Group training. reported to sea duty to VP-17 at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. While earning his qualifications as Tactical Navigator. Plane Commander. Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander in the P-3A aircraft. he spent 19 months deployed to various bases throughout the Western Pacific and three months in South America in support of UNIT AS XII. During this tour he decided to make Naval Service his career and successfully petitioned for a commission in the regular Navy.

Commander Humphrey was ordered to Patrol Squadron VP-31 at NAS Moffett Field, California in November 1975. There he served as Program Manager for an Iranian P-3F foreign military sales project. Training Coordinator and Training Officer. He earned the qualifications of ground instructor and flight instructor in the P-3A, P-3B, and P-3C aircraft.

In October 1979. Commander Humphrey was ordered to the staff of the CNO. Washington. D.C. He was assigned to the Director of Navy Program Planning (OP-090) where his duties were coordinating Navy response to congressional requests for hearings. briefings. and information associated with authorization and appropriation legislation. He was awarded a proven subspecialty in Anti- Submarine Warfare in December 1980.

Commander Humphrey reported to VP-19 as Executive Officer in June 1981. and deployed with "Big Red" to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan returning in February 1982.

He wears the Navy Air Medal. Navy Commendation Medal. Navy Achievement Medal with bronze star and various campaign. service and deployment medals.

COMMANDER DONALD C. HEFKIN


Commander Donald C. Hefkin was born in Cheyene. Wyoming. on 14 October 1945. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967. and was assigned immediately following graduation to the Naval Academy

Executive Department as a Company Officer for Plebe Indoctrination Summer. In October 1967. Commander Hetkln commenced flight training in Pensacola. F1orlda and was designated a Naval Aviator In December 1968. He reported to VP-19 In September 1969 and completed deployments to NAS Adak, Alaska, NAS Iwakuni, Japan, and NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. He was designated a NATOPS Navigation Instructor. Patrol Plane Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Mission Commander in the P-3B aircraft.

In October 1972. Commander Hetkin reported to VP-31 as an Instructor Pilot for both P-3 familiarization and tactical training. During his tour he served as the Pilot ASW Training Officer, Normal and Emergency Procedures Course Coordinator. and the Squadron Pilot NATOPS/Standardlzation Officer. Commander Hetkin acted as the alternate CNAP P-3 Pilot NATOPS Evaluator, managed the VP-31 Instructor Under Training (IUT) Program. and was Instrumental In the concept and formulation of the COMPAlWINGSPAC Patrol Plane Instructor (PPIP) Seminar.

Following his duties with VP-31, Commander Hetkin reported to the USS CORAL SEA (CV -43) In May 1975 as the Assistant Navigator. While attached. he completed two WESTPAC cruises and was designated as an OOD, and Special Evolution Conning Supervisor. During his tour. he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) earning the designation in 1977 as both a Naval Aviator and Surface Officer. In 1976. Commander Hetkin was named by Commander In Chief U .S. Pacific F1eet as the "Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year" for his shlphandllng performance while attached to the USS CORAL SEA. Commander Hetkin reported to the Naval Postgraduate School In Monterey, California. In August of 1977.

He completed his advanced study In Operations Research/Systems Analysis. graduating In September 1979 as a designated subspecialist.

Following his graduation from Monterey, Commander Hetkln completed the VP-31 F1eet Readiness P-3 training and reported to VP-40 in April of 1980. While attached to VP-40, he completed two deployments to NAS Misawa, Japan and in addition to his flying duties, served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer. and Maintenance Officer.

From December 1981 to late March 1982. Commander Hetkin served as the Task Group Commander to CTG 72.8/lndian Ocean Patrol and Reconnaissance Group attached to NSF Diego Garcia. Upon completing his duties as CTG 72.8. Commander Hetkin was assigned temporary duty with Headquarters. CPW-1 Kami Seya.Japan as the Task Force SEVENIY-TWO Maintenance Officer.

Returning to NAS Moffett Field, California, Commander Hetkin reported back to VP-19 as the Executive Officer In June 1982. In August of 1982 he was named the 1981 Association of Naval Aviation (ANA) "Maritime/Patrol Aviator of the Year" for his performance as Maintenance Officer with VP-40 and Commander, Task Group 72.8.

Commander Hetkin has been awarded the Air Medal. Navy Commendation and Achievement Medals. Navy Unit and Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals.

COMMANDER JERRY A. THOMPSON


Commander Jeny A. Thompson was born in Dothan. Alabama on 20 July 1944. He graduated from the University of South Florida in April 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. His major field of study was accounting. He began Aviation Officer Candidate School in August 1967 and entered the Officer Corps as an Ensign in October. His first flight as a student NavalJ\viator was in December 1967 and he received his wings twelve months later.

Commander Thompson was selected to return to the Naval Aviation Training Command for his first tour and reported to Training Squadron Three (VR--3J at NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida in February 1969 for duty as a flight instructor in the T-28 aircraft. While attached to VR-3 he instructed in basic and radio instruments and was designated as a standardization pilot.

In April 1970 Commander Thompson reported to Fleet Composite Squadron Three (VC-3 aboard NAS North Island, San Diego, California where he served as the Target Department Officer and was dual quaiified in the US-2C and DC-130 Aaircraft

In July 1972 he received orders to VP-50. After transition to the P-3C in VP-31. Commander Thompson reported to VP-50 In January 1973. While attached to VP-50 he earned designation as Patrol Plane Mission Commander Patrol Plane Commander. Instructor Pilot and Maintenance Check Pilot During this tour Commander Thompson completed multi-site deployments and operated the P-3C in climatic extremes ranging from 0 degrees F at Anchorage AK. to 100 degrees Fat NAS Cubi Point, Philippines. He also served as Flight Division Officer Assistant Training Officer and Flight Officer.

In January 1976 Commander Thompson reported to Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet/Comander Patrol Wing One Kami Seya Japan. For the next three years he was assigned to the Operations Division of the staff and served as Air Operations Officer and Current Operations Officer.

Departing Japan in February 1979. Commander Thompson reported to the Naval War College. Newport. Rhode Island a,s a student in the School of Naval Command and Staff.

In February 1980 he received orders to Patrol Squadron FOR1Y -SIX (VP-46J at NJ\S Moffett Field. Designated as a Patrol Plane Mission Commander and Patrol Plane Commander in the P-3C(IJ aircraft he served as Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. During his tour in VP-46 he completed deployments to Adak. Alaska where he served as Officer-ln-Charge of the Squadron Detachment and to Kadena. Japan. In March 1982. Commander Thompson was detached from VP-46 for temporary duty as Commander Task Group 72.8 at Diego Garcia.

Following duty in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Commander Thompson reported to CPW-10 NAS Moffett Field, California as Operations Officer from July 1982 to June 1983. He reported to VP-19 as Prospective Executive Officer in August 1983.

Commander Thompson has been awarded the Naval Commendation Medal with one star and various other unit citations and deployment ribbons.

PATROL SQUADRON NINETEEN


VP-19, the "BIG RED" Squadron, is homeported at the NAS Moffett Field, California and deploys throughout the Pacific. The Squadron's prtmayY mission is Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) with seconday missions of Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Aerial Mining, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Search and Rescue, To accomplish its missions, the Squadron flies the P-3C "Update" Orion, a sophisticated, computer- controlled version of the fleet's standard land-based fixed wing patrol aircraft Boasting approximately 65 Officers and 320 enlisted personnel, VP-19 supports eleven aircrews who man the Squadron's nine assigned aircraft.

VP-19 was originally commissioned as reserve unit. VPB-907, in 1946. In December, 1946, the Squadron was re-designated VP-871 and moved from NAS Livermore, Califomia to NAS Oakland, California. The Squadron was activated during the Korean conflict and deployed to Japan in the PB4Y-2 aircraft. During this period VP-19 patrolled waters west of Japan and flew night flare-dropping missions over Korea. illuminating enemy targets for night fighting U.S. ground forces. Because of the use of red-tinged flares, the Squadron was tagged "BIG RED."

In 1953, the Squadron was designated VP-19, and transitioned to P2V-5 NEPTUNES. Ten years later the command again transitioned this time to the P-3A ORION-and moved from NAS Alameda, California to NAS Moffett Field, California. During a 1968 deployment to Japan (in NAS Alameda, CaliforniaBs) the command flew over 8,000 hours in WESTPAC in support of Vietnam operations and the USS PUEBW crisis. Mter retuming home in August, 1968, the "BIG RED" was awarded all major awards for a Pacific fleet Patrol Squadron: The Battle Efficiency "E", the Isabell Trophy for ASW Excellence, and the CNO Maintenance Trophy.

Since 1968 the Squadron has made 9 deployments, including the 1974 NAS Cubi Point, Philippines deployment during which "BIG RED" crews participated in Operation "FREQUENT WIND", the highly publicized refugee evacuation of South Vietnam.

In May 1975, the Squadron commenced transition to the NAS Alameda, CaliforniaC (Update) the first patrol squadron to receive the most modern version of the superb aircraft. Promptly after transition, VP-19 was a main player in "VALIANT HERITAGE", the largest Pacific Fleet readiness exercise in a decade.

From May 1976 until FebruayY 1977, VP-19 conducted split deployment operations out of NAS Adak, Alaska. Alaska Highlights of this deployment included successful "real world" ASW operations, 20 Medical Evacuation flights, and SAR missions that resulted in the location and rescue of a downed civilian pilot and the crew of a sinking freighter. While at NAS Moffett Field, California following the deployment, VP-19 again received the Battle Efficiency "E" Award for the period 1 January 1976 to 30 June 1977.

The Squadron completed its first WESTPAC Deployment in the NAS Alameda, CaliforniaC (Update) to Okinawa, Japan in June 1978. A highlight of the deployment was the announcement of "BIG RED" as winner of the CNO Maintenance Award for the period of 1 January 1976 t031 December 1977. In May 1979, VP-19 completed a most arduous, and highly successful six month period of detachmet operations in NAS Adak, Alaska. After returning home, the "BIG RED" attained the highest Navy-wide score on the delivery portion of the Mine Readiness Certification Inspection (CRCI), and completed its fifth consecutive no discrepancy navy Technical Proficiency Inspection (NTPI). After completing a six month deployment to NAS Misawa, Japan in July 1980, VP-19 completed an unprecedented sixth consecutive no discrepancy NTPI, and a highly successful 3 month detachment to NAS Adak, Alaska.

After returning from its deployment to Okinawa, Japan in February 1982, VP-19 completed yet another no discrepancy NTPI, established a new CPW-10 record in the MRCI, and received an unprecedented four consecutive Silver Shutter awards for Aerial Intelligence Photography excellence. "BIG RED" was the first Patrol Squadron in the Pac1flc Fleet in recent years to fully maintain all ten of its flight crews in an "ALPHA" mission readiness status and has kept the highest crew readiness statistics in PAC Fleet since July 1982. During the squadron's latest WESTPAC deployment to Misawa, Japan, VP-19 successfully tracked a record number of threat submarines gained International recognition during a Search and Rescue mission to the island nation of SRI LANKA. marked 14 years and 105,000 hours of accident-free operations, and provided unprecedented ASW support during "TAE KWON DO", "TEAM SPIRIT" and the largest military exercise in the North Pacific since World War II, "FLEETEX 83-1." The squadron created its eleventh flight crew, and became the first in several years in the Pac1flc to qualify all eleven crews "ALPHA." The squadrons effectiveness on this deployment was commended by CNO, COMNAVAlRPAC, COMSEVENTHFLT, COMFAlR, WESTPAC, COMPATWINGSPAC, COMPATRECONFORSEVENTHFLT, COMPAlWINGTEN and deployed COMCARGRUS and COMDESRONS.

VP-19 has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for service during Operation "FREQUENT WIND", and four Meritorious Unit Commendations in the past decade. The MUCs were awarded for service during the deployment to NAS Adak, Alaska in 1969; the deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan, in 1970; for performance while homeported at NAS Moffett Field, California from 1 June 1971 through 20 July 1971; and for service during Operation "FREQUENT WIND."

Teamwork and Professionalism are "BIG RED" traditions.

SAILOR OF THE MONTH

June 82
AX2 James K. LOHMANN

July 82
PH3 Mark S. KETTENHOFFEN

August 82
AWAN Robert B. DIETZ

September 82
YNl Gerge O. LEPSEY

October 82
AT2 Yvonne ARRIBA

November 82
AO3 Steven J. OLSON

December 82
ISSN Corey A JAHNS

January 83
AD1 James WESTBROOK

February 83
AX2 Shirden P. FLANDERS

March 83
PN3 Cynthia E. MARTIN

April 83
AWAN Gary READINGER

MAY 83
YNl Donnie ALPORQUE

June 83
YN2 James L. SMITH

July 83
YN3 Mikael M. JOHNSON


SAILOR OF THE YEAR 82
YNl George O. LEPSEY

Circa 1982

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September 1982 "...Records - Change-Of-Command - Page 44 and 46 - Naval Aviation News - September 1982..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1982/sep82.pdf [16OCT2004]

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Circa 1981

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "....I served with VP-19 from 1981 to 1983 as a SS2..." Contributed by GRIFFITH, AW2 Tom thomas.m.griffith@sbcglobal.net [29APR2009]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation September 1981 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 48 - Naval Aviation News - September 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/sep81.pdf [14OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1981 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 39 to 41 - Naval Aviation News - June 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/jun81.pdf [13OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1981 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 32 to 35 - Naval Aviation News - April 1981..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1981/apr81.pdf [13OCT2004]

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Circa 1980

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1980 "...Change-Of-Command - Page 30 - Naval Aviation News - August 1980..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1980/aug80.pdf [11OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation April 1980 "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 28 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - April 1980..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1980s/1980/apr80.pdf [11OCT2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Squadron ThumbnailCameraVP-19 Patch "...NAS Misawa, Japan from January 1980 to June 1980..." Contributed by BRYANT, PH William F. Jr. bulldy75@msn.com [01MAY2004]


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