Patrol Squadron FORTY SIX [VP-46]
Currently flying the P-3C (Update III) aircraft, VP-46 is the oldest operating patrol squadron in the United States Navy. Since its commissioning in 1931, it has undergone eight name changes and flown 12 different models of aircraft. The P-3 Orion is still the most versatile multi-mission aircraft in the world. The squadron's primary missions include anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, drug interdiction and search and rescue.
The squadron has been setting records since 1933, when it set the record for the longest non-stop seaplane formation flight at over 25 hours. During the Korean conflict, the squadron found itself as the first seaplane squadron to conduct combat aerial patrols off the China coast and Formosa Strait. In January of 1964, the squadron was the first in the Pacific Fleet to transition to the P-3A aircraft. It was also the first West Coast Harpoon-capable squadron.
VP-46 returned from an Arabian Gulf deployment in June 2000 where they were the first VP squadron to deploy with the sensor Aircraft Improvement Program (AIP) Advanced Imagery Multi-Spectral System (AIMS).
Despite these changes, VP-46 has maintained a tradition of safety excellence. On 30 January 2001 the squadron celebrated its 37th anniversary and over 260,000 mishap-free flight hours. Throughout its history, the importance of safety in all operations and at every level within the command has been paramount. Cornerstones of its Safety Program are awareness, Operational Risk Management (ORM), professionalism and a dedicated all hands effort. The program strives to safeguard personnel and materiel assets, foster a proactive command climate focused on hazard detection and elimination, and create a team of safety professionals.
The "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 recently returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island from a highly successful deployment to Misawa and Kadena, Japan. VP-46 executed traditional 7th Fleet missions of anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance.
The first VP-46 crews arrived in the 7th Fleet area operating region (AOR) on May 30, 2001, and immediately repositioned to the Republic of the Philippines to commence the first of a series of bilateral exercises throughout the South Pacific and Indian oceans.
The squadron operated with the naval and air forces of the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei, expanding the role of maritime patrol while fostering the spirit of international cooperation in the region. Additionally, the squadron participated in multiple exercises with Japan and the Republic of Korea.
The squadron demonstrated its undersea warfare expertise during successful prosecution and data collections on numerous foreign submarines from countries all around the western Pacific rim. Grey Knight crews launched out of Kadena and Misawa to locate and track numerous submarine contacts.
The unexpected sadly came on Sept. 11, 2001. The terrorist attacks changed the focus and tactical priorities for the squadron through the remainder of deployment. In addition to maintaining previous levels of anti-submarine presence and maritime patrol, VP-46 became an active participant in Operation Enduring Freedom throughout the AORs of the 7th and 5th fleets.
Squadron crews conducted maritime force protection patrols in defense of mainland Japan and provided maritime escort for USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) battlegroups through the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca and en route to the Arabian Sea.
The squadron also provided maritime escort for the first out-of-area deployment by a Japanese Surface Action Group since World War II, en route to the Indian Ocean in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Grey Knight crews repositioned from the 7th Fleet to the 5th Fleet in response to the demand for increased assets in the region. They conducted daily armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the gulf region and over Afghanistan, conducting optical surveillance and targeting for allied ground assets. The squadron concluded its deployment on Dec. 10, 2001, with the return of their last crew and the commanding officer to NAS Whidbey Island.
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