Patrol Squadron Four Begins 'Aloha' Deployment

Sailors assigned to the Skinny Dragons of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 perform a man-on-the-stand coordinated check on a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft. Coordinated checks are done on a routine basis to ensure proper functioning of the aircraft and continued mission readiness and performance. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Porter/Released)

Story by LT j.g. Matthew Johnston, VP-4 Public Affairs Officer

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (NNS) -- P-3C Orion planes from Patrol Squadron (VP) Four, departed Kaneohe from Marine Corps Base Hawaii for the last time, March 18. The Skinny Dragons of VP-4 began a challenging tri-site deployment to three different areas of responsibility (AORs).

 

 The theme, 'Aloha Deployment,' was adopted by VP-4 and its meaning is two-fold. VP-4 says Aloha and Mahalo to their Hawaii home and will be saying Aloha to the P-3C in favor of the P-8A Poseidon.

 

 Since 1964, VP-4 has a long and decorated history as a permanent fixture in Hawaii, so leaving is certainly bittersweet.

 

 Upon return from deployment, VP-4 will execute a permanent duty station change to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Washington, and transition to the P-8A. The Skinny Dragons began flying the Orion 50 years ago, and the transition to the Poseidon is the next step in ensuring they remain the Navy's premier maritime squadron.

 

 "This deployment is an exciting time for our squadron and our families," said VP-4 Commanding Officer Cdr. Jon Spore. "Between the move to Whidbey Island and the upcoming transition to the P-8A Poseidon, we have a lot to look forward to, but remain focused on our immediate goal of completing our last P-3C Orion deployment. That being said, our time in Hawaii was very special and we look forward to making new memories in a new location and with a new aircraft."

 

 Patrol Squadron Four is the first of three Hawaii-based squadrons to make the move to Whidbey Island and transition to the P-8A, and they will continue their standard of excellence in the new aircraft. The Skinny Dragons are motivated to face that challenge, however, their focus is currently on the deployment and executing the mission.

 

 "VP-4 has enjoyed great success for many years in Hawaii. Our Sailors from today and years gone by have fantastic memories of serving in the Aloha State," remarked VP-4 Executive Officer Cdr. Christopher Smith. "While it's bittersweet to leave, we look forward to starting our next chapter in our new home after this deployment. We fondly say Mahalo to this wonderful community for all the great memories."

 

 After flying the P-3 for 50 years, the Skinny Dragons are committed to ensuring this last Orion 'Aloha Deployment' is a resounding success that sees them all return home safely.

 

VP-4 Perform SAR Missions in Support of Operation Tomodachi

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Steve White, Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa Public Affairs

At Sea (NNS) -- Flight crews from Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 are flying humanitarian and support missions as part of Operation Tomodachi in response to the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that hit northern Japan March 11.

The squadron, nicknamed the "Skinny Dragons," fly the P-3C Orion aircraft out of Okinawa and have been performing aerial search missions over the debris field off the coast of northern Japan. Japanese homes and semi-truck trailers are among the odd assortment of wreckage floating as far as 10 miles out in the Pacific.

"VP 4 has only just begun to aid in the humanitarian effort," said Lt. Matthew Welch, a pilot with VP 4. "so far we have built a pretty effective map of the debris field as well as cleared areas in the water, which enables other rescuers the ability to focus on new areas."

The squadron performed their fourth mission in the area March 14, since the quake.

"Each mission gives us the opportunity to find someone stranded at sea," said Welch. "Every single flight we are providing eyes on an area that potentially has people who desperately need our help. I think that means a lot to our crew and hopefully the Japanese people."

During the mission the flight crew searched for survivors via sight and surface-search radar. Additionally the crew sends relevant information to their headquarters regarding the location of potentially hazardous areas that could affect surface ships assisting in the relief effort.

"While we are a SAR (search and rescue) capable platform...We are also a small part of a much bigger scheme to help the victims of this disaster," said Welch.

Golden Eagles Conclude Six-Month Deployment to Seventh Fleet

By Lt. j.g. Stephen Floyd, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 concluded a six-month deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Nov. 24.

The "Skinny Dragons" of VP 4 relieved VP 9 as Commander, Task Group (CTG) 72.2/72.4.

While VP 9 was deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, Cmdr. Dave Whitehead, VP 9 commanding officer, assumed the role as the task group commander and provided direct support in transiting carrier and expeditionary strike groups, maintained a demanding, fast-paced tempo of maritime surveillance missions, supported four search and rescue efforts, and sent detachments throughout the AOR.

In the past six months VP 9 performed and operated in a variety of mission throughout the 7th Fleet AOR.

The squadron took part in Valiant Shield 2010, an integrated joint-training exercise designed to enhance interoperability between U.S. forces. VP 9's maintenance team ran the P-3 maintenance effort for the entire exercise and achieved a completion rate that was recognized at the highest levels.

The Golden Eagle team also executed their primary mission sets of maritime patrol reconnaissance (MPR) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW), by providing timely and accurate intelligence for U.S. 7th Fleet, U.S. Pacific Command and the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Aircraft, crews and maintainers assigned to the Golden Eagles supported 12 theater security cooperation engagements, which is built upon old alliances and forging friendships with new partners.

The engagements consisted of extensive training through numerous exercises with Japan and the Republic of Korea, along with Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and the Republic of the Philippines.

In October, when Typhoon Megi struck the Philippine Islands, VP 9 responded within 24 hours. The Gold Eagles quickly identified the most heavily damaged areas. The CTG sent an aircraft and a detachment of maintainers with the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts on the ground, identify property damage, distressed persons, and possible landing zones for aid-bearing helicopters.

Combat Aircrew 8 Tactical Coordinator Lt. Chris Cannon said it was an honor to represent the Navy and the nation in the Republic of the Philippines.

"We are specially equipped for surveillance, and to put our capability to use to save lives and property is tremendously rewarding," Cannon said.

After providing humanitarian aid support in the Philippine Islands, another detachment participated in the final Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia exercise 2010 in late October.

Whitehead and several members of the aircrew delivered a series of briefs to high-ranking Cambodian officials and led a discussion on how MPRA can support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts, and basic maritime domain awareness.

The crew then hosted two Cambodian delegations aboard the aircraft and took their guests on two familiarization flights along the Cambodian coastline.

"Our ops with countries around the Pacific will certainly be the most memorable part of a great deployment; to be the face of America, interact with host nation militaries and empower our partners to better secure their own maritime borders," said Lt. Cmdr. Ed Arnold, patrol plane mission commander. "This has been an awesome opportunity."

Patrol Squadron 9 is homeported aboard Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.