P-3 Eaws (Command History) Vp-26

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What is VP-26's Command Mission Statement?

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Patrol Squadron TWENTY-SIX is a diverse element of the United States Navy that performs many assignments. We are the hunters who serve as the eyes and ears of the Fleet. By patrolling in advance of the Fleet’s arrival or in its surrounding environment, potential enemies are located, tracked and if necessary, neutralized. Maritime patrol aircraft also serve as a strategic deterrent to conflicts. Team TRIDENT will hunt at great distances and with long endurance, often from remote sites with little support.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

How far back can VP-26's lineage be traced?

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To 26 Aug 1943 when “Bombing Squadron” VB-114 was established at NAS Norfolk, VA.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What was the first aircraft assigned to the squadron?

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The PB4Y-1 “Liberator”, a four engine land-based patrol aircraft.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

When was the squadrons first combat patrol?

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18 Mar 1944

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

When did VP-26's designation change to the present one of “Patrol Squadron 26” becoming the third squadron to bear this designation?

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In Sep 1948

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What significant event took place on 8 Apr 1950?

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A VP-26 PB4Y-2, designated “HB 7” (BuNo 59645), assigned to Det. A, took off from Wiesbaden Air Base, West Germany on an intelligence gathering mission. At 1739 the “Privateer” was intercepted by four Soviet “La-11” fighters over the Baltic Sea, 8km southwest of Liepaja, Latvia. After refusing the ”follow me” signals of the fighters the “Privateer” was shot down, becoming the first publicized shootdown of the Cold War.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

VP-26 was the first squadron to do what in 1956 while stationed in Thule, Greenland?

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Fly all 12 aircraft over the North Pole.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What happened shortly after midnight on 6 Feb 1968?

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A VP-26, P-3B (BuNo 153440) flown by (Combat Air Crew) CAC 8, was lost off the coast of South Vietnam while on a MARKET TIME patrol mission. The “Orion” had crashed into the sea with no survivors.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What significant event took place on 1 Apr 1968?

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Off the coast of South Vietnam where CAC 8 was lost, a second P-3B (BuNo 153445) flown by CAC 1 came under fire by a .50 caliber antiaircraft gun. It was hit in the starboard wing, knocking out the #4 engine and starting a fire. All attempts to extinguish the flames were unsuccessful. Flying to low to bail out, the crew had to choose between ditching in hostile waters or attempt to make an emergency landing at Phu Quoc airfield less then 20 miles away. Within sight of the runway, and their wing still aflame, CAC 1 prepared to land their stricken aircraft. As the plane banked left onto its final approach, the starboard wing tore off between #3 and #4 engine, and the P-3B tumbled into the sea with no survivors.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What significant event took place in 1975?

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The Tridents became actively involved in the celebration of America’s 200th birthday. As well as flying a 13-stared tail cap on their aircraft, over 100 men and women from VP-26 undertook the exterior renovation of the Pejepscot Historical Society Museum on Lincoln Street in Brunswick, ME. This effort earned VP-26 the honor of being designated a Navy Bicentennial Command.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What significant event took place in May 1981?

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VP-26 became the first squadron to deploy the new Harpoon missile capable P-3C to the Mediterranean Theater.

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P-3 EAWS (Command History) VP-26

What happened during Operation DESERT CALM from Sep 1993 to Feb 1994?

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VP-26 completed the first ever live Maverick warshot by an operational P-3 squadron.