A BIT OF HISTORY: 101231-N-8490W-001 COMALAPA, El Salvador (Dec. 31, 2010) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Cody Jarrett and Sailors assigned to the maintenance section of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 conduct maintenance on the propeller of a P-3C Orion aircraft. VP-5 is on a six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Wilson/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [16JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 101231-N-8490W-003 COMALAPA, El Salvador (Dec. 31, 2010) "...Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Cody Jarrett, Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jay Hinton, and Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Shyanne Booker conduct maintenance on the propeller of a P-3C Orion aircraft with Sailors assigned to the maintenance section of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5. VP-5 is on a six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Wilson/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [16JAN2011]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-4 Kicks Off 7th Fleet Deployment with Keen Sword 2011 By VP-4 Public Affairs - Posted: December 18, 2010. Squadron's Mentioned: VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-46, VP-47..." WebSite: Commander U. S. 7th Fleet http://www.c7f.navy.mil/ [18DEC2010]

NAHA, Japan – A week after arriving in Okinawa, Japan Nov. 23 to start their six-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, the Skinny Dragons of VP-4 took part in the bilateral exercise Keen Sword 2011 Dec. 3 – 10.

VP-4 relieved VP-47 and throughout Keen Sword VP-4 alongside VP-8, VP-46 and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 aircrews exercised, evaluated and worked side-by-side to strengthen interactions amongst one another.

The Pegasus's of VP-4 stationed out of NAF Naha, Okinawa, Japan Prefecture of Japan few aboard aircraft assigned to VP-4 to observe crew coordination and tactics utilized by the Navy. The cross training was conducted to improve both U.S. and Japanese understanding of our mutual capabilities and limitations.

"The exercise was a great way for our squadron to launch into deployment and we are excited about our continuing friendship with the JMSDF, and VP 5 in particular, during the months to come," said Cmdr. Steve Newlund, VP-4's commanding officer.

To close the exercise the aircrews of VP-4 and VP-5 took part in the photography exercise, a Navy and a JMSDF P-3C Orion flew together in formation over JMSDF and Navy ships lead by the aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73).

The biennial Keen Sword brought together 34,000 Japanese troops and 10,000 U.S. service members, plus a combined 430 aircraft and 60 ships for missile-defense and other air, land and sea operations, as service members will practice responding to a wide range of situations, including the defense of the region and reacting to a simulated contingency situation affecting Japan, within a realistic training environment.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Mad Foxes' excel at RIMPAC - September 1, 2010 - 3:12pm - By Lt. James Radtke - VP-5 Public Affairs Officer..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [03SEP2010]

Three combat aircrews (CACs) and a full maintenance detachment from the VP-5 "Mad Foxes" recently returned from Hawaii after participating in the bi-annual Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Among hundreds of multinational participants, the squadron successfully played its role as one of the exercise's Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force assets.

The Mad Foxes completed 24 missions, including anti-submarine, anti-surface and non-combatant evacuation - as well as two live-fire weapon exercises.

RIMPAC is designed to increase interoperability and foster the security of the participating nations. Military units from Japan, South Korea, Australia and Canada were just a few of the participants.

Aircrews from VP-5 routinely worked with international players to prosecute 'Orange' forces during the scenario. Throughout the exercise, P-3 Orions were employed to hunt submarines and support international and U.S. surface vessels with over-the-horizon reconnaissance and targeting. They also provided real-time reconnaissance to a multi-national amphibious landing force that stormed the beaches of Pyramid Rock, located on Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay.

Lt. Cmdr. Brian Conway stated, "RIMPAC is an outstanding opportunity for each of our aircrews to hone their anti-submarine warfare skills. The training we received prosecuting real-world submarines while working side-by-side with P-3 aircrews from different countries was invaluable."

In all phases of the exercise, VP-5 expertly demonstrated the multiple capabilities of the P-3C Orion to rapidly adapt to changing tactical situations.

The highlight of RIMPAC for CAC 1 and CAC 9 was when they participated in a live-fire SINKEX missile exercise. The missile shots confirmed the P-3C Orion's ability to successfully engage and strike maritime surface targets. The ex-USS New Orleans, a decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, was struck by an AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missile fired by CAC 9.

The missile struck the New Orleans' superstructure, causing considerable damage. Shortly following the Harpoon shot, CAC 1 let loose with an AGM-65 Maverick missile against another decommissioned warship being used as a target. CAC 1 demonstrated professionalism and competency with a successful weapon launch against their target. Both shots were part of a complex combined barrage of missiles and artillery fire that ultimately sunk the target ships in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.

When the Sailors of VP-5 were not hard at work flying or maintaining their P-3 Orions, they took an opportunity to experience Hawaii.

Many Sailors spent their brief free time exploring the beautiful beaches of Waikiki, experiencing Hawaii's unique culture and heritage, or exploring the island of Oahu's natural beauty.

Highlights included snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (a protected tropical reef), surfing off of Oahu's famous beaches, and experiencing a Hawaiian Luau offering traditional local foods and entertainment. According to PR2 Anna Hines, "The people, the views and the food were my favorites. Hawaii is a beautiful place that didn't make the work seem so hard and made it more enjoyable."

For many, touring the USS Arizona Memorial and other Pearl Harbor sites was an unforgettable experience.

"Visiting the memorials at Pearl Harbor was something that everyone, both service members and civilians, should do when they visit Hawaii," said Lt. j.g. Evan Ladd.

By the end of the exercise, the Sailors of VP-5 had again demonstrated their ability to train hard, accomplish their missions, and even enjoy a little time off during RIMPAC 2010.

Other U.S. Navy P-3 Orion squadrons participating in RIMPAC 2010 were the NAS Jacksonville-based VP-62 "Broad Arrows" - as well as VP-4 and VP-47 of CPRW-2, based in Hawaii.

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100831-N-8490W-007 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2010) "...Aviation Ordinance Airmen Rumiel Benson and Bryce Ward, both assigned to the aviation ordinance team of the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5, load a training CBU-99 cluster bomb onto a P-3C Orion aircraft at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The team loaded bombs and missiles during a Conventional Weapons Proficiency Inspection as VP-5 prepares for a 6-month deployment in December. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Wilson/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [03SEP2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100831-N-8490W-001 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2010) "...An aviation ordnance team assigned to the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 load a captive-carry MK-84 Harpoon training missile onto a P-3C Orion at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The exercise was part of the conventional weapons proficiency inspection to prepare for a tri-site six-month deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Jason R. Wilson/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [03SEP2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100831-N-8490W-005 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2010) "...An aviation ordnance team assigned to the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 load a captive-carry MK-84 Harpoon training missile onto a P-3C Orion at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The exercise was part of the conventional weapons proficiency inspection to prepare for a tri-site six-month deployment. (United States Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Jason R. Wilson/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [03SEP2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAS Jax P-3s Join Pacific Live-Fire Exercise By LT(jg) Evita Salles CPRW-2 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday, August 5, 2010. Squadrons mentioned include RAAF, VP-4, VP-5, VP-40, VP-47 and VP-62..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [06AUG2010]

Aircrews from NAS Jacksonville, Florida-based VP-5 and VP-62, along with VP-4 and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), 11 Patrol Squadron from Edinburgh, Australia, participated in a live-fire exercise (SINKEX) July 10 as part of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercise.

Flying from MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, each squadron fired AGM-84D Harpoon missiles at the decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship ex-USS New Orleans (LPH-11) in the Hawaiian operating area.

The purpose of the SINKEX is to provide P-3C Orion aircrew valuable training in Harpoon missile proficiency. Aircrews train extensively on the simulated usage of the Harpoon missile but rarely get the chance to fire the live weapon.

"It was an outstanding opportunity for our junior officers and air crew to gain valuable experience shooting a forward-firing weapon," said Cmdr. Jason Jorgensen, commanding officer of VP-5 and deputy of Combined Task Group 172.2.

Each aircraft launched an on-target hit on the New Orleans. The SINKEX provided the first opportunity for most of the participating aircrew to fire a live weapon.

"Flying with a live weapon always heightens aircrew and maintenance awareness of tactics, techniques and procedures. The SINKEX serial provided 11 Squadron with a great opportunity to test our individual and collective warfighting skills in a complex coalition environment. It does not get too much better than that," said Wing Commander Phil Champion, commanding officer of 11 Squadron, RAAF.

It was the first time in eight years the RAAF shot a Harpoon missile. The AGM -84D Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system. The Harpoon's active radar guidance, warhead design, low-level cruise trajectory and sea-skim or pop-up maneuvers assure high survivability and effectiveness. The missile is capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines, shore batteries or aircraft such as the P-3C Orion.

Commissioned in 1968, New Orleans was the third U.S. ship named for the War of 1812 Battle of New Orleans. Throughout its 30 years of service, the ship took part in various amphibious exercises and contingency operations during the Vietnam War, carrying Sailors and Marine ground forces, helicopters and landing craft. The ship was decommissioned in 1997.

VP-4 and VP-47 flew another SINKEX on the ex-USS Monticello (LSD 35) on July 14 using Harpoons and AGM-65 Mavericks to destroy the target. VP-5 and VP-40 conducted the last of the sinking exercises on July 17 using Harpoons and Mavericks against the ex-USS Anchorage (LSD-36). Each crew scored a direct hit, on time.

The AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical, air-to-surface guided missile designed for close air support, interdiction and defense suppression mission. It provides stand-off capability and high probability of strike against a wide range of tactical targets, including ships, air defenses, transportation equipment and fuel storage facilities.

RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. This marks the 22nd exercise in the series since the RIMPAC exercise began in 1971. P-3C Orion aircrews will conduct similar exercises throughout the course of RIMPAC.

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...'Mad Foxes' redefine safety stand down - By LT(jg) Mohr VP-5 GSO - Thursday, July 22, 2010..." WebSite: JaxAirNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [25JUL2010]

VP-5 took a fresh, hands-on approach to safety training June 18 by conducting an all-hands safety stand down dubbed, "The 2010 Safety Olympics."

Thanks to the hard work of the squadron's aviation safety team, led by Lt. Rob Hoffacker, this training evolution shed the "death by PowerPoint" atmosphere and instead, conducted a safety stand down that was challenging and informative. Working closely with Lt. Emily Eley and AWF1 Chris Garcia of the squadron's quality assurance division, the Mad Foxes conducted created competitions covering a series of safety-related events.

"Maintenance and support personnel competed against other work centers in a series of real-time safety drills set up in Hangar 511. At the same time, combat aircrews matched their survival skills against each other at the NAS Jax Aircrew Survival Training Center (ASTC)," explained Hoffacker.

"The stand down involved every member of the squadron in drills and practical exercises that created a high level of interactivity and 'esprit de corps.' Members of the Fox Den retained more safety information than that normally imparted in a traditional classroom setting."

The event began in Hangar 1000 with short, informative safety briefs. Trooper Rod Elder from the Florida Highway Patrol gave a dynamic presentation on drinking and driving.

Using a VP-5 volunteer, he demonstrated a field sobriety test with specially designed goggles to simulate the negative effects of alcohol on a driver's coordination. The demonstration provoked some laughter as the squadron watched one of their own fail miserably at simple tasks. Yet the demonstration conveyed a clear warning against the dangerous realities associated with driving under the influence of alcohol. Other briefs discussed the 101 Critical Days of Summer and recreational safety.

Maintenance and support personnel mustered in the hangar for their Olympic competitions that included scenarios for first-aid, a fuel spill, a battery spill, a man-down drill, a thermal runaway battery drill, a P-3C auxiliary power unit start-up drill and a support equipment preventive maintenance drill.

Work centers rotated from station-to-station and selected a different team leader for each scenario. AT3 Hunter Scruggs commented, "Having a different, randomly assigned person in charge of each drill allowed everyone in the shop to take a leadership role. The dynamic duty assignments tested the crews' resource management skills and more accurately simulated real-world scenarios."

Each shop worked together to analyze and resolve each problem. They judged on their accurate and timely response to each situation.

The VP-5 aircrews competed at ASTC in a series of survival-based events, which included a raft relay race, survival breaststroke relay, an anti-exposure-suit relay race, a full-flight-gear buddy tow relay race and a first-aid scenario.

"Each combat aircrew tested their coordination and teamwork to successfully negotiate each obstacle. The raft races were particularly challenging as aircrews had to right their raft, help each other board, retract the sea anchor and move the raft as a team two lengths of the pool," said Hoffacker.

"The buddy tow was the most exhaustive, since it was conducted in full flight gear with two air crewmen per crew towing each other two lengths of the pool. The anti-exposure-suit drill required three crewmen to correctly don and doff a cold-water immersion suit."

The survival events concluded with a robust first-aid scenario supervised by the staff of ATSC.

"The first-aid scenario tested our crew's ability to successfully work together. We were debriefed on our treatments by an expert instructor and the suggestions he offered made this the most educational part of the Safety Olympics for me. While the scenario was for a downed aircrew in a remote location, most of the skills we practiced could be used in any environment," said AWV2 Niels Baumgartner.

The Safety Olympics concluded with the trophy presentations by VP-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jason Jorgensen in Hangar 511.

The top maintainer team was VP-5 Aviation Electrician Work Center under the leadership of Lt. j.g. Jason Bruce, AEC Steven Murphy and AE1 Erik Raymond.

The top aircrew team was VP-5 Combat Aircrew Nine under the leadership of Lt. Jeremy Taylor and Lt. Joshua Lowery.

The squadron's Safety/NATOPS Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Chris Artis, said, "The day's events could not have been more successful. The VP-5 Quality Assurance and Safety/NATOPS Team did a phenomenal job hosting the stand down and getting our personnel out of the classroom and into real-world scenarios that made the day exciting and fun. I especially thank Lt. Cmdr. Leslie Kindling and the ATSC staff for making this stand down such a memorable event for the Mad Foxes."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100706-N-6855K-030 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (July 5th) "...P-3C Orion aircraft VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-40, VP-47, VP-62 and VP-69 line the Rainbow Fleet tarmac of Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercise. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Meagan E. Klein/Released)..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [11JUL2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Jorgensen To Take Command Of VP-5 from VP-5 Public Affairs - Thursday, May 6, 2010..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [07MAY2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...Fleet Forces Commander Visits VP-5 - Thursday April 29, 2010..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [30APR2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...VP-5 Hosts Young Presidents' Organization from VP-5 Public Affairs - Thursday April 22, 2010..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [23APR2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-5 History "...'Mad Foxes' Selected For Isbell Trophy By LT(jg) Emily O'Rourke, VP-5 Public Affairs Officer - Thursday April 1, 2010..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [02APR2010]

Photograph Caption: In this 2009 photo over the Western Pacific, a P-3C Orion from the "Mad Foxes" of VP 5 patrols as the Seawolf-class submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) participates in an Under Sea Warfare Exercise involving the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Photo by MC2 Elliott Fabrizio

The VP-5 "Mad Foxes" were recently named the U.S. Atlantic Fleet winners of the Capt. Arnold Jay Isbell Trophy for exemplary performance in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) operations from October 2008 to September 2009. During the deployment, VP-5 demonstrated Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF) vigilance and showcased their exceptional dedication, unprecedented ASW abilities, and historic record-setting operational accomplishments.

The Isbell trophy is sponsored by Lockheed Martin and is historically presented to superior anti-submarine warfare squadrons. To be considered for the award, the competing squadron must have outstanding performance in ASW Fleet exercises, first-rate inspection results, and overall professionalism and operational effectiveness.

While operating in multiple areas of responsibility on deployment, VP-5 flew more than 3,000 hours and had record-setting mission completion rates.

During their split-site deployment, the Mad Foxes led the most significant real-world ASW prosecution in many years. Joining forces with the Japanese Fleet and the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Strike Group for an undersea warfare exercise, VP-5 reaffirmed the strategic relevance of MPRF in the ASW role.

Sixteen combat aircrews from four different wings and five different squadrons flew 51 of 52 sorties during the exercise for over 335 hours, which culminated in six exercise kills. The Mad Foxes maintained 24-hour coverage over two ASW stations, totaling more than 65 hours of contact during the exercise.

VP-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Wes Naylor said, "The Mad Foxes once again set the example for ASW excellence. Through consistent hard work, diligent training and unparalleled dedication, the Mad Foxes yet again prove themselves to be the best ASW force in the fleet."

A BIT OF HISTORY: 100217-8490W-N-003 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2010) "...Power plants department Sailors assigned to the Mad Foxes of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 simulate an oil spill in Hangar 511 during the squadron's maintenance Olympics. The maintenance division competition allowed Sailors to apply skills and knowledge of safety procedures involving chemical and oil spills, man-down drills, and safety procedures during routine maintenance checks. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Wilson/Released) ..." WebSite: NavyNews http://www.navy.mil/ [03MAR2010]

A BIT OF HISTORY: CPWR-11 History "...CPRW-11 Holds First ASW Competition - Thursday January 7, 2010...Squadrons Mentioned: VP-5, VP-8, VP-16 and VP-62..." WebSite: JaxNews http://www.jaxairnews.com/ [08JAN2010]

"VP-5 History Summary Page"

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