A BIT OF HISTORY: "...THE HUNT IS OVER: ...The torch is passed for the final time today. CDR Don Hamblen assumes command of Patrol Squadron NINETY with the unenviable task of orchestrating the decommissioning process. By September 30, 1994, VP-90 will exist only as a memory in the minds of those who have served and as a footnote in the annals of the Naval Reserve. The members of VP-90 have ,exited the stage in style. A banner year demonstrated the true pride of the elite professionals who make up the "Lion Team". From inspections and competitions to operational commitments overseas, the personnel of VP-90 have made it clear that selecting this squadron for closure was a miscalculation. In January, VP-90 amassed 15 years and over 55,000 hours safe operations, in recognition of this outstanding record and the "model" safety program required to achieve it, the Chief of Naval Operations awarded his Annual Safety Award for 1993 to the Lion Team. For the second year running the squadron was selected as the "Golden Anchor" recipient. Recognizing the finest recruiting and retention program in the Reserve Fleet, every member of VP-90 plays a role in promoting Navy programs. Operationally, VP-90 deployed to NAF Kadena, Okinawa, Japan twice in 1993 and provided support to the fleet in traditional Lion style. Maintaining perfect maintenance statistics and operational readiness the squadron completed the first ever "Special Interest Flight" flown by a Reserve Squadron in the South China Sea. In recognition of the Maintenance Department effort the squadron was selected as the runnerup for the Donald M. Neal "Golden Anchor" Award for maintenance excellence. The year cultimatated with the Cornander Patrol Wings Pacific noniinafion for the prestigious Noel Davis Battle Efficiency "E" Award. The pinnacle of recognition for any squadron, this selection singles out VP-90 as the finest Reserve Patrol Squadron in the Pacific Fleet. An enviable record for any unit, the "Lion Team" has proven the pride and professionalism which are at its core. It is unlikely that any other . squadron will amass the single year record of excellence which VP-90 achieved in 1993. The 380 officers, chief petty officers. men and women of this squadron deserve the praise and accolades they have received. They have proven that despite a harsh climate, travel from 14 different states to train and operate, and a decision to decommission, the cream will always rise to the top...The Lion's Tale, Final Edition, VP-90 Publications, March 19, 1994, Circulation 500..." Contributed by John Larson LCDR(RET) oriondriver1975@yahoo.com

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...THE FINAL ISSUE: ...Associated Press reported the untimely demise of 'the Lincoln Park Zoo's only lion on Monday, March 14, 1994. Leo had lived to the ripe old age of twenty-four. An uncanny coincidence, VP-90 will have served nearly twenty-four years in the Naval Reserve when it falls victim to the budgeteer's axe in September. The passing of both of these Chicago institutions will be noted with sorrow by the local community. Leo, for having entertained and educated thousands of school kids and their parents and VP-90, for the similiar services it has provided. From search and rescue efforts over Lake Michigan to the relief flights flown following last summer's floods in Iowa VP-90 has been the consummate citizen. Static displays throughout the Midwest and countless squadron tours hosting "inner-city" Chicagoans have -promoted the image of this professional organization. Always ready to lend a helping hand, the members of the squadron involve themselves in local church groups and on-base associations as well as national organizations like Habitats for Humanity. VP-90 contributed to her neighbors in a positive and lasting fashion. Indeed, the squadron has impacted the lives of citizens world wide. During their Annual Training period in 1981 while deployed to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines, Combat Aircrew Six coordinated the rescue of fifty-five Vietnamese "Boat People" in the South China Sea. The crew's efforts camed them the Humanitarian Service Award and exemplify the attitude which will be VP-90's legacy. The pride of the "Lion Team" a lasting contribution...The Lion's Tale, Final Edition, VP-90 Publications, March 19, 1994, Circulation 500..." Contributed by John Larson LCDR(RET) oriondriver1975@yahoo.com

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...A TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS: ...VP-90 has shown the world who reigns as King of the Jungle. Our people did it better than any other squadron in the Pacific Wing! But even as we enjoy our well deserved recognition, we must look forward to our futures. VP-90 shipmates, once bound together with the stuff of which great squadrons are made, will soon be going their separate ways. Old ousted friends and comrades will walk down the red carpet and bid farewell to those of us who remain in uniform. Active Duty and Reserve Personnel alike, will leave VP-90 and NAS Glenview, Illinois for other duty stations and careers. As we depart we will take a little part of VP-90 with us. Through the years from 1970 to 1994, more than 2300 people have carried our colors to all points of the compass, and all continents of the world. We have flown over 80 thousand accident free hours, burning more than 50 million gallons of fuel in the process. Our aircraft achieved more than 3000 qualifications during 24 years of deployments. Over 5500 NATOPS evaluations were administered and passed (Not counting "Skinny" Brown's retakes). The Maintenance Department changed more than 170 engines, four times that many propellers, and an unmeasured amount of tires, brakes, and black boxes. We put more paint on our aircraft than the amount used to cover the Golden Gate Bridge. At about ten gallons each working day, imagine how much coffee we've consumed. Administration personnel have cranked out more than 10,800 evaluations and fitness reports, and processed ten times that amount of travel claims. We in VP-90 have advanced more petty officers and chief petty officers than any other command in either Wing. We have the highest retention rate of any command in COMNAVAIRESFOR. Our departments receive more attaboys during our inspections than any other squadron. Together, we've left an indelible mark, in the pages of history. This last tour with the "Fighting Lions" has been my best and most rewarding. Its been a privilege and an honor to serve with each and every member of the Lions, past and present. Take care and God speed. AFCM Mike Stungis 'The Last Command Master Chief Patrol Squadron 90'...The Lion's Tale, Final Edition, VP-90 Publications, March 19, 1994, Circulation 500..." Contributed by John Larson LCDR(RET) oriondriver1975@yahoo.com

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-90's SP-2H NEPTUNES: ...135547, 145912, 140982, 145918, 141235, 145923, 141243, 147962, 143175, 148355, 144683, 148559, 144683, 150282, 145911, and 150282...The Lion's Tale, Final Edition, VP-90 Publications, March 19, 1994, Circulation 500..." Contributed by John Larson LCDR(RET) oriondriver1975@yahoo.com

Circa 1993

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/ja93.pdf [12NOV2004]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Records, History, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - May - June 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/mj93.pdf [12NOV2004]

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Circa 1992

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Base Closures, Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - May-June 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/mj92.pdf [11NOV2004]

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Circa 1990

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-90 Logo "...Patch from a 1980 Okinawa cruise..." Contributed by ARTIME, AMCS(AW/SW) Henry Retired fxdride@hotmail.com [20OCT2002]

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"VP-90 History Summary Page"

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