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HistoryVP-44 HistoryHistory

Circa 1969

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation December 1969 "...On Patrol - Page 47 - December 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/dec69.pdf [17SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1969 "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - June 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/jun69.pdf [17SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May 1969 "...On Patrol - Naval Aviation News - May 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/may69.pdf [17SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1969 "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - January 1969..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1969/jan69.pdf [16SEP2004]

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Circa 1968

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation November 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 30 - Naval Aviation News - November 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/nov68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1968 "...NavAirLant E's Are Announced - Page 2 - Naval Aviation News - October 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/oct68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - July 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/jul68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation May 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 30 - Naval Aviation News - May 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/may68.pdf [15SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1968 "...On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1968..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1968/jan68.pdf [14SEP2004]

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Circa 1967

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation July 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - July 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/jul67.pdf [11SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - June 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/jun67.pdf [10SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation February 1967 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 30 to 31 - Naval Aviation News - February 1967..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1967/feb67.pdf [08SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...On 31 January 1967, Patrol Squadron FORTY FOUR celebrated the sixteenth anniversary of its commissioning.. Over the years the squadron has progressed in many ways and has established numerous firsts for patrol aviation. Looking back an the past history of our squadron will enable us to see the advances made in patrol aviation and ASW, and recognize the tradition that is a basis for present operations in VP-44, today. VP-44 began operations at NAS Norfolk, Virginia in 1951 with nine PBM "MARTIN MARINERS." Initially the crews ware sent to Corpus Christi, Texas for training. The squadron was the first to receive the P5M-1, obtaining their first "MARLIN" in 1952. It was also first to deploy the P5 across the pond, when in July 1954 they operated in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean area for fifty days before returning to Norfolk. As the young squadron progressed it was recognized for its achievements. VP-44 was the first seaplane squadron to receive three consecutive Battle Efficiency Awards, the first coming in 1956. Also in 1959 it was awarded the Captain Arnold Jay Isball Trophy for ASW excellence, another first for an East Coast seaplane squadron. In 1960 the squadron retired the last of its "Flying Boats" and transitioned to the Lockheed P2V "NEPTUNE." In October 1961, VP-44 deployed to the Naval Air Facility, Sigonella, Sicily for five months, working with the Sixth Fleet, other NATO forces, and the project Mercury space program. The squadron returned to Norfolk in March 1962, but not for long, as they Proved to their present home at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland on 2 April, the pace of operations remained fast, while awaiting the arrival of their first P3A. On 29 August the first ORION arrived and signaled the beginning of the intensive training period of the transition to the P3A, In October the squadron changed into a fully operational outfit, Plying reconnaissance flights during the Cuban crisis. LM-4 was pictured over the "ANASOV" a Russian freighter carrying missies back to the Soviet Union. In April of 1963 VP-44 became the first squadron to deploy with the P3A, establishing Detachment 17 in Argentia, Newfoundland. After 13 months in the "Miami of the North" the squadron returned to Patuxent flying a 118 foot long Homeward Bound Pennant from the skipper's aircraft. Once again the Pelicans were recognized for their achievements, receiving the Battle Readiness "E" for fiscal year 1964 and the Arnold J. Isbell Trophy far ASW excellence, In February 1965 VP-44 took command of Detachment Seventeen in Argentia, this time for four months. In August of 1965 Rear Admiral Matter, COMFAIRWINGSLANT presented VP-44 the Battle "E" Readiness Award for the second consecutive year, The entire squadron deployed to Kindley AFB, Bermuda on 22 August for the ASW Exercise "CANUS SILEX". On 3 September six crews returned to Bermuda to relieve VP-16 of Detachment 21. Returning to Patuxent for only two days after Bermuda the squadron departed for NS Roosevelt Roads, PR far SPRINGBOARD '66, The last crews returning found the remaining crews busy with NATO Exercise LANDLUBBER, VP-44 hosted the British and Canadian crews at Patuxent River. In the spring of 1966 the squadron was named the Task Group DELTA squadron and would be conducting various DELTA exercises in the months to come, May was a busy month for the Pelicans, undergoing both their ADMAT and ORI inspections and proving themselves in both, receiving a grade of EXCELLENT in each. The summer or 1966 saw VP-44 deployed to various paints in the North Atlantic. Five crews spent five weeks in Argentia, and Keflavic Iceland saw four VP-44 crews twice in July and August. Back in Patuxent the squadron was host to nearly all ASW on the East Coast at the ASW Tactical Training Seminar, where the ASTAC Training Syllabus used in VP-44 was presented as a basis of a syllabus far all VP Units. In the Fall, the Pelicans were preparing for another major ASW Exercise, SUNRISE. In both phases the squadron successfully demonstrated its capabilities against the nuclear submarine threat. Thus with an enviable and memorable past. Patrol Squadron FORTY FOUR, "The Squadron with the Forward Look" leaks to the future with confidence and pride..." Contributed by Alan Filyaw afilyaw@wingnet.net


Circa 1966

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - November 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/nov66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Safety Record Recognized - Page 13 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Making OF A Patrol Plane Commander - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation October 1966 "...Squadron Insignia - Naval Aviation News - October 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/oct66.pdf [07SEP2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation August 1966 "...Fleet Air Wings On Patrol - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - August 1966..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1966/aug66.pdf

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation June 1966 "...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]

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Circa 1965

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation March 1965 "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 26 to 27 - Naval Aviation News - March 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/mar65.pdf [31AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation January 1965 "...On Patrol With Atlantic Air Wings - Page 28 to 29 - Naval Aviation News - January 1965..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1965/jan65.pdf [31AUG2004]

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Circa 1963

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News May 1963 "...Tacco - ASW Vp Tacktical Coordinator Page 9 to 11 - Naval Aviation News - May 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/may63.pdf [26AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News May 1963 "...VP-44 - Naval Aviation News - May 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/may63.pdf [26AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News April 1963 "...P-2 Spots Hi-Jacked Ship - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - April 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/apr63.pdf [25AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1963 "...C.O. Of VP-44 Recognized - Page 13 - Naval Aviation News - March 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/mar63.pdf [25AUG2004]

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Circa 1962

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Recently Life Magazine (US) and Google placed the Life Magazine photo archives on-line. VP-44 Ship 8 LN BuNo 150498 - US Navy Patrol P3V-1 flying over missile carrying Soviet ship Potzunov, as it is leaving Cuba during US Naval blockade on Cuba during Cuban Crisis. Date taken: 1962 - Photographer: Carl Mydans..." WebSite: Google Image Search http://images.google.com/hosted/life/ Contributed by John Szalay john.szalay@att.net [14MAY2010]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News October 1962 "...Lockheed P3V Orion Joins The Fleet - Page 12 - Naval Aviation News - October 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/oct62.pdf [24AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News September 1962 "...Patuxent Squadrons Get P3V - Page 3 - Naval Aviation News - September 1962..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1962/sep62.pdf [23AUG2004]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Here is the story by PR3 John H. Heald, VP-44...It goes with a Neptune patch (should have it shortly for posting)..." Contributed by PN3 John E. Kiger roadapple38@hotmail.com [14JAN98]

"Discovering More Original Patches and Artwork for VP-44, NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and the P-3 Orion"
Contributed by PR3 John H. Heald

I received orders to VP-44 in August, 1967 out of Parachute Rigger school at Lakehurst, NJ. When I arrived at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, VP-44 was on deployment in NAS Keflavik, Iceland, so I spent a couple of weeks with VP-30, waiting for my squadron to return in early September. Once VP-44 returned, I was assigned to the First Lieutenant's Division for my standard three months of orientation-during which I was a duty driver and all-around swab jockey. One of the assignments was to clean out an old, very used, corrugated metal gear locker on the flight line of our hangar. While pulling out years and years of junk and debris I found a blue-grey stained satin bag with the VP-44 Neptune patch attached to the side of it. I believe (PRCM) Chief Hautzenroder, the leading chief, told me the bag I found held the champagne bottle that was broken on the front strut of the first P-3 aircraft delivered to VP-44. This was the Neptune logo, used by the squadron before the Pelican logo was developed.

While visiting a bookstore recently, I found a copy of Jane's Military Aircraft of the World. I immediately turned toLockheed and located the P-3 Orion. I'm sure my wife was having trouble understanding my excitement as I read the part about the first delivery to the Navy being to VP-8 and VP-44 in August of 1962. That is the connection between this old, stained patch and the rich history of the P-3 Orions in naval aviation. [E-Mail Updated 24MAR2001]

Circa 1961

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: Naval Aviation News March 1961 "...Switch Over To Land Planes - Page 37 - Naval Aviation News - March 1961..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1961/mar61.pdf [19AUG2004]

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Circa 1960

HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...(VP-5, VP-7, VP-8, VP-10, VP-11, VP-16, VP-18, VP-21, VP-23, VP-24, VP-26, VP-44, VP-45, VP-49 and VP-56) - 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 [13MAR2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...(FAETU (PACific/AtLANtic), FASRON-3, FASRON-102, VP-8, VP-24, VP-44 and VP-56) - 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 [11MAR2007]

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HistoryA BIT OF HISTORY: "...Picture - FOUNDATION Volume 25 Number 2 Fall 2004 - Pages 22 through 31 - Caribbean Cruiser..." [13NOV2004]

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