Greetings everyone,
I just got back from Hawaii this weekend.
I wanted to report to you that VP-4 has left Hawaii for their deployment. The first picture is the Skipper departing on Friday March 18th. They created a commemorative challenge coin for this significant event. This picture was taken from their Facebook.
The other picture is of the same plane the day before. It is the latest update P-3C. It is the AIP version. Also notice the nose art. It is a dragon’s claw opening up the aircraft.
I had a chance to talk to the XO and wanted to pass on some of what he said. The squadron will be flying out of multiple sites. They will be in Africa, Central America and Europe in one place and possible another sight off of the continent. This year marks the 50th anniversary that the P-3 has been in the squadron.
The P-8 is operating well, no major issues. When the squadron is finished with their deployment they will end up at NAS Whidbey Is. WA, where they will transition to the P-8A. That will begin on Halloween. I guess they will have to put on their dragon costumes. The only rate for the aircrew will be AW’s. The F/E’s, AT’s and in flight Ord will be gone. They will offer to transition to AW, go to the remaining P-3 squadrons, or stay in Hawaii doing other things.
It was good to get back to Oahu. I had to take a trip out to Barbers Pt and reminisce about the days when I was in VP-4. When all the Kaneohe have transitioned to the P-8, there will be no permanent squadrons based there. There will be dets to Hawaii for homeland security duties.
Take care
John Larson
VP-4 Veterans Assn PAO
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