Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54)
In January of 1991, the first members of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Five Four (VR-54) reported aboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. It was on that winter day that the Naval Air Reserve Force set into motion a new era in Naval Air tactical logistics. VR-54 was commissioned 01 June 1991.
The establishment of VR-54 was actually the re-birth of a previous squadron of the same designation, which was also based at NAS JRB New Orleans. The first VR-54, which flew C-118 transport aircraft, was commissioned on 01 October 1972. With the introduction of the then technologically advanced C-9 transport aircraft into the fleet, the C-118 was subsequently retired on 06 January 1981, and as a result VR-54 was decommissioned on 28 February 1981.
The squadron operates five C-130T aircraft made by the Lockheed Martin Corporation. With a normal maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 pounds, the C-130T can carry any combination of up to 75 passengers, and 40,000 lbs. of palletized cargo, heavy trucks, or light armored vehicles. Due to these diverse capabilities, VR-54's mission includes everything from transporting a deploying carrier air wing to flying supplies to remote corners of the world. Following VR-54, three additional C-130 squadrons were established over the next few years, which provide the Navy with a total of 20 C-130T support aircraft. VR- 54's chain of command is via Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing; Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force; Commander, Naval Reserve Force; and the Chief of Naval Operations. The Naval Air Logistics Office in New Orleans, schedules squadron operational tasking.
The introduction of the C-130T aircraft at NAS JRB New Orleans presented local area Naval Air reservists with the opportunity to train and work on the most efficient, modern transport aircraft within the entire U. S. Navy. Because of the size of the C-130T and a totally diverse mission requirement, 136 active duty personnel and 110 selected reservists man VR-54.
Nicknamed "The Revelers," the squadron bears the colors purple, green, and gold, symbolic of the official colors of Mardi Gras. In 1872, Rex, King of Carnival selected purple to symbolize justice, green to symbolize faith, and gold to symbolize power. Continuing with this tradition, the sailors of VR-54 are a proud group, and have chosen to be a part of something very special, new, and promising - the Naval Air Reserve's first C-130T squadron.
On 06 November 1998 a team of Naval Reservists received authorization to help relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch. The men and women of Naval Reserve squadron VR-54, based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, were chosen to carry relief supplies to the region. Supplies were received on Friday afternoon by squadron members, who worked through the night to ready them for shipment. VR-54 members loaded a C-130T Hercules with 40,000 pounds of desperately needed relief supplies and food, which a VR-54 air crew flew to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Aiport, Managua, Nicaragua. Since that first flight, the Naval Air Logistics Office, Naval Air Reserve Force Air Programs Department and the Operations Departments of Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons VR-53, VR-54 and VR-62 worked feverishly to provide additional support to the region.
VR 54's excellence has been recognized in the form of the 1996 COMNAVRESFOR Aviation Safety "S", a Navy Unit Commendation in 1999 for exceptional meritorious service during OPERATION ALLIED FORCE, and a 1999 Letter of Commendation from the Chief of Naval Operations for relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. Most recently, the Revelers joined the Order Of Magellan by circumnavigating the globe providing logistics support for U.S. Naval forces deployed and stationed throughout the world. The Revelers are also gracious hosts of the annual Oilfield Chili Cookoff, which has been the single largest contributor to The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
