A BIT OF HISTORY: "...1967 Southeast Asian Cruise Deployment Cruisebook..." Contributed by John "JJ" Campbell safehands4u@aol.com [05JUL2001]

Patrol Squadron ONE is a land-based Anti-submarine patrol squadron, currently flying the SP2H Neptune. The squadron is home port is the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.

Patrol Squadron ONE was commissioned in Florida in 1943 as VB-128. Soon after commissioning, VB-128 was transferred to NAS Miramar, flying the then new PV-1, Ventura. In January 1948, the squadron, then known as VPML-1, was transferred to the NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. Between January and September of 1948, VPML-1 deployed to the Aleutian area twice. In July 1950, soon after the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, VP-1, as it was then known, deployed to Okinawa.

From 1951 through 1955, VP-1 made frequent deployments to Okinawa. In 1955, it introduced the P2V-5 to the Pacific Fleet and became the first patrol squadron to make an around-the-world cruise, accomplishing this feat in May of that year.

In 1956, VP-1 deployed to Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. In 1957 the squadron, flying the P2V-5F aircraft, deployed to NAS Kodiak, Alaska again. In August 1959, equipped with P2V-7S aircraft, VP-1 made its first deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan. From 1959 to 1964, the squadron alternated between its home at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and the Alaskan Aleutian area.

PATRON ONE returned to NAS Iwakuni, Japan on October 15, 1964. Flying assignments took it all over Southeast Asia. A letter of commendation was received from General Westmoreland, Commander, U. S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, for missions flown on coastal patrols off South Vietnam.

Throughout its 23 year history, VP-1 has set enviable records for flying proficiency and overall excellence. While at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, the squadron has earned nearly every VP award established by COMFAIRWHIDBEY. In March of 1964, the Honorable Paul B. Fay, Undersecretary of the Navy, presented the squadron with a trophy for being the top ASW squadron at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington for the 18 month period ending in June 1964.
Top honors from COMFAIRWING FOUR were received on July 23, 1965, for again being the top ASW squadron and winner of the Safety "Totem Pole" competition for the second consecutive year.

In August 1965, COMNAVAMPAC announced that Patron ONE was the Pacific Fleet Winner of the Battle Efficiency Pennant, the Captain Arnold J. Isbell Trophy ASW Excellence Trophy, and the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. The squadron had flown over 40,000 accident free hours, 11,000 of which were flown during Fiscal Year 1965.

The 1965-66 deployment to NAS Iwakuni, Japan placed VP-1 into the thick of the Vietnam conflict. Maintaining a detachment at Tan Son Nhut South Vietnam; the squadron flew missions in Operation Market Time while at the same time attaining an operational level that permitted all 12 squadron aircraft to qualify as Alpha crews. On their return to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington in the spring of 1966, the Commander of Fleet Air Whidbey, Rear Admiral J. A. JAAP, offered his congratulations for a job "Well Done".

Again deploying to WESTPAC in May of 1967, Patron ONE was stationed at the NS Sangley Point, Philippines. This year, a detachment is being maintained at the completely new NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. The squadrons presence at Cam Ranh is being felt as is evidenced by the detection and eventual destruction of a Viet Cong trawler trying to run munitions into South Vietnam. "Diligence and a high degree of training," were the words used to describe VP-1 crews by Rear Admiral D. W. COOPER, Commander Task Force 72. Patron ONE again proved herself when she found the lone survivor of a downed A3 Skywarrior in the South China Sea. A life saved through careful observation and strict adherence to duty.

VP-1'S history is a long and enviable one. Each year, new and higher levels of proficiency and safety are being set. All of these factors more than justify, in the minds of squadron personnel, our referring to Patrol Squadron ONE as the "Fleets Finest".

Circa 1966

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...United States Naval Operations Vietnam, Highlights; (No. 8): May 1966..." WebSite: Mobile Riverine Force Association http://www.mrfa2.org/MRFA%20'Highlights'%20copies/mrfa-08/high-8.htm [03DEC2005]

MARKET TIME Units

Three Patrol Air Cushion Vehicles (PACV) arrived at Vung Tau on 1 May to form PACV Division 107 and on 2 May proceeded to the MARKET TIME base at Cat Lo, thus introducing this type craft for the first time into a combat zone. During the rest of the month, maintenance and logistic support equipment was set up and the PACVs were prepared for operations.

In aerial surveillance operations, USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) with CTF 72 embarked, arrived at Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam on 15 May, set up a seadrome and activated Task Group 72.5. SP-5B aircraft immediately began flying patrols from the seadrome in support of MARKET TIME. VP-40 and VP-48 had aircraft detachments at NAF Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam supported by USS Salisbury Sound (AV-13) for the remainder of the month. Fifty two MARKET TIME flights were flown by TG 72.5 during this period. The aircraft on patrol investigated contacts for MARKET TIME ships and reported all contacts and suspicious activity discovered. A detachment of seven P2 aircraft from VP-2 relieved VP-1 as TG 115.6 on 29 May. They were based at Tan Son Nhut Air Base at Saigon and flew in support of MARKET TIME operations.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Welcome for Vietnam Vets..." http://www.tf116.org/magazine/allhands41.html [26MAR2005]

WHILE THE BAGPIPES skirled and the families and reception party waited, the 12 Patron One Neptunes taxied into parking position for a formation shutdown. The ceremony which followed was impressive, but not essential

It doesn't take much fanfare to make home look good after a tour in WestPac.

Aboard the aircraft were 144 men, returning to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, after six and one-half months in the Western Pacific. The ground crew had returned earlier and was now available to relieve the new arrivals, who were due some CONUS liberty.

PIPED HOME - Patron One welcomed via bagpipes at NAS Whidbey Island.

During four months of the deployment, seven Patron One aircraft were assigned to the Market Time Patrol and based at the Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon. The remaining five aircraft performed ASW and ocean surveillance patrols out of Iwakuni, Japan, Okinawa and the Philippines

The Saigon detachment flew a total of 351 combat missions during the deployment, accumulating a total of 2400 flight hours. The flights were made over the South Vietnamese coast from the Cambodian border in the vicinity of the Mekong Delta and north to the 17th Parallel

The flights were usually at altitudes from 1000 down to 100 feet. The crews identified shipping and made night flare drops. On one occasion Patron One flares exposed a Viet Cong smuggler disguised as a trawler. The ship had been driven ashore to prevent Viet Cong salvage.

WHILE PERFORMING Market Time patrols, Patron One Neptune crews maintained radio contact with Swift boats and Coast Guard cutters. When a suspicious contact was made the aircraft might vector a surface unit into the area for investigation - or surface forces might guide the aircraft to a questionable contact.

The aircraft were often subjected to VC ground fire from beaches, jungles and junks. Despite the low flight altitudes, however, Patron One aircraft sustained only minor damage and suffered no casualties among the flight crews.

The Saigon detachment came under its heaviest fire while on the ground, and this time there were casualties. Early in the morning of 13 April the Viet Cong attacked the air base with mortar. Aviation Machinist's Mate Second Class Randolph P. Vedros was killed and several other squadron Navymen were wounded

The attack occured shortly after midnight. By dawn the ground crews were hard at work repairing the damage and within eight hours the detachment launched a Market Time mission. Within a few days the most seriously damaged plane was underway on its own power.

MANY OF THE CHIEFS and senior officers found the conditions of combat in Vietnam similar to those they had experienced during WWII and Korea: Heat, insects, rats, smells, mud and marstan matting.

The 12 aircraft averaged 1100 flight hours each month. To date the squadron has flown more than 48,500 hours without an accident. The unit holds the CNO Aviation Safety Award for West Coast patrol squadrons as well as the 1965 Battle Efficiency "E" and the Isbell Trophy.

While deployed, each of the 12 Patron One flight crews became "alpha" qualified. The squadron claims to be the first to qualify all its aircrews while deployed and under combat conditions

An "alpha" crew is one which has succesfully completed a long series of exercises and thus established its combat readiness. The exercises include weapon loading, weapon delivery, aerial mining, reconnaissance and antisubmarine warfare. The final operation consists of a submarine hunt and simulated kill.


FAMILY STYLE
Henry A. Martin, AT3, is greeted by his wife and daughter as Patron One returns from Vietnam.

Below: LTJG R. M. Clark gets hug from wife.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - September 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/sep66.pdf [06SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - July 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jul66.pdf [06SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 36 - Naval Aviation News - June 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/jun66.pdf [05SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Fleet Air Wings - Page 22 to 23 - Naval Aviation News - April 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/apr66.pdf [05SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Awards..." Contributed by Mahlon K. Miller mkwsmiller@cox.net [23APR2001]

Meritorious Unit Commendation
15 May 67 - 15 Nov 67
20 Apr 70 - 01 Aug 70
01 Apr 71 - 20 Apr 71
28 Aug 82 - 07 Sep 82
10 Jun 88 - 10 Dec 88

Navy "E" Ribbon (Battle "E")
01 Jan 98 - 31 Dec 98

Navy Unit Commendation
01 Jan 67 - 14 May 67
16 Nov 67 - 31 Mar 68
02 Aug 90 - 01 Nov 90

Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry)
13 May 67 - 05 Nov 67
31 Aug 68 - 01 Mar 69

VP-1 Det Guam Participating Aircrews

Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
05 Aug 81 - 20 Oct 81

VP-1 Det OF

Meritorious Unit Commendation
Winter 69

VP-1 Det Tan Son Nhut

Vietnam Service Medal
07 Feb 66 - 02 Jun 66

VP-1 Participating Aircrews

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
01 May 93 - 10 Nov 93

Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
20 May 80 - 10 Nov 80

Meritorious Unit Commendation
20 Apr 70 - 01 Aug 70
01 Apr 71 - 20 Apr 71

VP-1 Participating Crewmembers

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
01 Apr 98 - 05 Jun 98

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Market Time Spotter Planes Never Sleep...Pacific Stars and Stripes...Can't find date, but had to be 1966 to 1968..." Contributed by Robert E. Bailey flynavy10@comcast.net [02JUN2000]

Market Time Spotter Planes Never Sleep Circa 1966 to 1968

Saigon, Vietnam (PAO)-"Early morning in Saigon...like any other day, four officers, naval aviatorsleave their military hotel and climb into a waiting pickup. Ten minutes later, they stand before ten-foot high charts of the South Vietnamese coastline. The briefing officer at the coastal surveillance force HQ. ticks off the special instructions they need to know."Two naval gunfire destroyers are firing support missions in this area of the coast. Stay well clear. Two VC junks were spotted at this point at 0230 this morning surface units of the Vietnamese Navy and U. S. Swift boats are in the area now."

Briefing completed, the officers head for Tan Son Nuht to join the aircrew already pre-flighting the bird, an SP2H Neptune-one of seven assigned to Market Time patrols off the coast of South Vietnam. Their mission is to detect attempts to infiltrate arms, men or equipment to the Viet Cong.

At the aircraft they join their crew and two Vietnamese Navy Observers who form the complete team. At 0845 AM, the plane takes off to slight cooler air. Reporting over Vung Tau, the Plane Commander radios the in-coming patrol plane that he is now on station to assume patrol duties. Aerial survaillence is maintained around the clock by the patrol squadron. br>
A second call is made to the Naval Surface Ship COmmander in Command of Patrol Forces in the area. He will report any contacts requiring investigation by the aircraft. This procedure is repeated as the crew enters the many desinated patrol areas along the coast. Each of these areas contain surface units such as Radar-Picket Escort ships, minesweepers, Coast Guard cutters, and the new 50-foot, high speed swift boats.

The first leg of the flight is made southward along the coast looking primarily for Viet Cong junk movement. At 1005 AM one of the two Vietnamese Observers reports a suspicious group of junks off the starboard wing. The pilot banks the plane around for a closer look. They turn out to be friendly. The Vietnamese Observer is continually exchanging information by radio with the Vietnamese Navy Surface Units below. Suddenly at 1140 AM the shouts "VC Junks" pointing to the mouth of a river off the distance. He has just received a contact report. The pilot circles the area. The situation below is well in hand. Four VC Junks are surrounded by a Vietnamese Navy Junk group. A U. S. Navy Swift boat is also speeding to the position which the Co-Pilot has radioed to him. When the Plane Commander is assured everything is under control, he proceeds on his way. At 1210 PM the aircraft turns just short of the Cambodian boarder and heads away from the coast. The first leg was primarily a visual search for junks. The patrol plane will now check for large cargo ships attempting to deliver war materials to the VC.

ON THE SECOND LEG THE AIRCRAFT FLIES SEVERAL MILES OUT TO SEA. THE PRIMARY MEANS OF SEARCH IS NOW RADAR. THE NAVAL FLIGHT LT(JG) ELDON G. KAUL OF CHADWICK,ILL., FOCUSES THE RADAR AND ENTENTLY WATCHES IT SWEEP THE AREA FOR CONTACTS. SILENCE ON THE INTERCOM IS BROKEN AT 1245 P.M. "PILOT" RADAR REPORTS,"I HAVE A CONTACT BEARING 220 DEGREES ,27 MILES." "ROGER,COMING TO 220." THE PLANE BANKS AND STEADIES ON COMPASS HEADING 220. THE BOW OBSERVER AVIATION MACHINIST'S MATE 2C HAROLD R. HUGHES OF WASHINGTON,PA.,REPORTS" VISUAL CONTACT WITH THE TARGET". THE PILOT SNAPS OUT ASSIGNMENTS FOR A RIGGING RUN. "BOW, YOU GET THE UPRIGHT SEQUENCE AND PHOTOS,CO-PILOT , GET THE NAME, COURSE AND SPEED. RADIO, CHECK THE STACK MARKINGS, AFTERSTATION TAKE PHOTOS, DETERMINEHULL TYPE. ALL STATIONS NOTE ANY UNUSUAL CARGO. THE SHIP WILL BE COMING UP ON THE STARBOARD SIDE IN 20 SECONDS. THE PLANE DROPS TO A 100 FEET. INSURMENTS ARE MONITORED CLOSELY, ESPECIALLY THE ALTIMITER.A WING CAN CLIP THE WATER IF THE PILOT TURNS TOO SHARPLY. THE SHIPS NAME,IDENTIFYING FEATURES, HER COURSE, SPEED, AND POSITION ARE LOGGED AND REPORTED TO THE NEAREST COASTAL SURVEILLENCE CENTER. THIS PERTICULAR SHIP WAS A COMMUNIST FREIGHTER. SIX HOURS PASS BEFORE THE PATROL PLANE IS OVER VUNG TAU AT 1500(3P.M.) INBOUND FOR TAN SON NUHT. ANOTHER PLANE GREETS THEM ON THEIR WAY OUT TO TAKE UP THE PATROL. WEATHER INFORMATION AND SPECIAL INTEREST CONTACTS,ARE GIVEN TO THE SISTER PLANE. AT 330 P.M.(1530) THE PLANE IS IN PLACE ON THE SQUADRON LINE. THE CREW PROCEEDS TO POST-FLIGHT THE AIRCRAFT. THE OFFICERS, AFTER WRITING OUT A MAINTAINENCE REPORT ON THEIR BIRD, START BACK TO SAIGON TO DEBRIEF THE FLIGHTAT THE COASTAL SURVEILLENCE HEADQUARTERS. IT IS NOW 430 P.M. AND THE OFFICERS AND THE CREWMEMBERS ARE FINISHED WITH THEIR WORK. ANOTHER MISSION COMPLETED IN ANOTHER DAY OF OPERATION MARKET TIME. END OF CLIP ALSO UNDER PICTURE OF SP2H ON CLIP (YB 10-150280) ONE VIETNAMESE JUNK A FEW FEET BELOW PLANE. BELOW PIC. WORDS," A NAVY SP2H NEPTUNE PATROL PLANE OF VP-1 CHECKS OUT A VIETNAMESE JUNK WHILE ON A MARKET TIME SURVEILLENCE PATROL SOUTH OF VUNG TAU." (USN) POST VP-1,VP-2,VP-26, VP-48, VP-50,VP-17,AND OTHER MARKET TIME SQD.'S.

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Circa 1965

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Pacific Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - December 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/dec65.pdf [03SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Pacific Air Wings On Patrol - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - October 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/oct65.pdf [02SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...ComNavAirPac E's Selected - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - October 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/oct65.pdf [02SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Pacific Air Wings On Patrol - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - August 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/aug65.pdf [01SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Pacific Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - June 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jun65.pdf [01SEP2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...On Patrol With Pacific Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - April 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/apr65.pdf [31AUG2004]

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Circa 1964

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-1 History pages from my 1964 NAS Iwakuni, Japan Cruise Book..." Contributed by MERRIOTT, AX2 J. B. "John" johnmerriott@gmail.com [08MAY2011]

LEFT TO RIGHT: SERE "School" taken by AT2 Bill Richards (1st Tech Crew 11) and FASU/NSA DaNang, Republic of Vietnam taken by AX2 Fredrick D. Fink (1st Tech Crew 2) in 1965

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-1 Bombs Ice In Alaska - Page 38 - Naval Aviation News - August 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/aug64.pdf [29AUG2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron One - Page 40 - Naval Aviation News - June 1964..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1964/jun64.pdf [28AUG2004]

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Circa 1963

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron One'2 SP-2H Neptune - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - September 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/sep63.pdf [27AUG2004]

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Circa 1960

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-1 History "...CDR R. E. DIMMITT was assigned to VP-14 on October 1941. His PBY squadron deployed to the South Pacific where he was shot down by the Japanese. As an Operations Officer of VP-9 (P2V) in 1955 he got his first taste of Alaskan flying. In 1959 he too over as XO of VP-1 (P2V) and fleeted up to CO in 1960...." Official U. S. Navy Documention [24DEC2012]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...FASRON-12, VP-1, VP-2, VP-17 and VP-50) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [12MAR2007]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...The U.S. Navy/U.S. Coast Guard Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument, will be located on the Council International Sport Military Field on the US Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA. This monument will be a personal detailed, and heart-felt tribute to all Naval & Coast Guard personnel who died serving their country in the South East Asia Theater of the Vietnam War from 1960-1975. A few of the military squadrons represented are: VP-1, VP-2, VP-4, VP-6, VP-17, VP-26, VP-40, VP-42, VP-48, VP-50, VAH-21, VAP-61, and VO-67. WebSite: Vietnam Unit Memorial Monument..." Contributed by BAILEY, AO3 Bob flynavy10@comcast.net [Updated 21DEC2000 | Updated 02JUL2000 | Updated 14APR2000 | 03APR2000]

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"VP-1 History Summary Page"

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