#1239 P-3C Orion
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Description
Squadron Prints Lithograph No. 1239 - P-3C Orion, 159507, Patrol Squadron NINE \'VP-9\', MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Patrol Squadron NINE (VP-9) is home-ported at MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii and provides Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare, Maritime Domain Awareness, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to support United States Combatant Commander initiatives worldwide. Utilizing the AIP P-3C “Orion” aircraft, they employ the latest technology, tactics, techniques and procedures to execute on-station providing next generation capabilities in multi-theatre environments. VP-9 was commissioned at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington on March 15, 1951 under the command of CDR M. B. Bailey. The maiden flight of the newly formed squadron was flown in a P-4Y2 “Privateer.” Shortly after commissioning, the Golden Eagles embarked upon their first deployment to NAVSTA Kodiak, Alaska. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, VP-9 participated in numerous deployed operations throughout Asia and the Northern Pacific including joint night operations with U.S. Marine Corps fighter aircraft. Utilizing flares, VP-9 aircraft illuminated significant North Korean targets for attacking aircraft. Other significant milestones included: homeport change to NAS Moffett Field, CA, in 1963 and transition to the P-2V “Neptune” in 1953, the P-3A in 1963 and the P-3B in 1966. With the advent of the computerized P-3C Update I, VP-9 began a new era in the 1970’s. In early 1977, the Golden Eagles completed a highly successful deployment to Kadena AB, Japan. For its demonstrated ASW excellence, VP-9 was awarded the distinguished Captain Arnold J. Isbell Trophy. In the 1980’s and 1990’s, VP-9 became the first squadron to deploy to the Western Pacific with the APS-137 Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar. Additionally, the squadron received orders to make its fourth homeport change to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii in 1992. After their successful initial deployment to FIFTH and SEVENTH Fleets with the newly received upgraded AIP P-3C aircraft, VP-9 again made history with the launch of a Standoff Land Attack Missile. This first launch, using in-flight target reprogramming occurred, during Fleet Battle Experiment ECHO at Point Mugu, CA. The Golden Eagles made their fifth homeport change to MCBH Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, in May 1999 where they continue the tradition of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance excellence. In 2012, VP-9 broke new ground by deploying to SIXTH Fleet in Sigonella, Italy for the first time in squadron history. The Golden Eagles will soon bid farewell to the P-3C “Orion” aircraft and transition to the newly designed P-8A “Poseidon,” continuing their tradition of mission effectiveness and Anti-Submarine Warfare superiority.
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