• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Golden Eagles ready to return to Kaneohe Bay

Hawai'i Navy News

Release Date: 6/6/2003

Lt j.g Felix L. Hopkins VP-9 Public Affairs

The "Golden Eagles" of Patrol Squadron 9 (VP 9) are nearing the end of a highly successful deployment. After departing MCBH Kaneohe Bay, the day after Thanksgiving, the squadron headed west to Japan, "land of the rising sun." Based at Misawa Air Base in northern Japan and Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, VP-9 has flown over 5,800 hours and 850 missions. Now, six months later, the "Golden Eagles" are preparing for their return to Kaneohe Bay and a much-anticipated reunion with family and friends.

While deployed, the "Golden Eagles" were under the operational control of Commander, Task Force 72 (CTF 72) whose Area of Responsibility encompasses over fifty-six million square miles and extends from the Northern Pacific Ocean, bordering Russia, to the South China Sea and westward into the Indian Ocean. Throughout the deployment, VP-9 employed their P-3C ORION aircraft in virtually every type of mission. These included long-range Anti-submarine Warfare, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Maritime Interdiction Operations, Carrier/Expeditionary Strike Group support, and Search and Rescue.

Over the past six months, the "Golden Eagles" played an integral role in the worldwide effort to combat terrorism. The squadron flew over 600 hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Phillipines. Additionally, "Golden Eagle" aircrews provided "eyes in the sky" for U.S. and allied naval ships transiting Southeast Asian waterways on their way to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

While deployed to Japan, the "Golden Eagles" had the opportunity to operate with their military allies from a number of other countries. In January, the "Blackies" of Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force P-3 squadron VP-4, hosted the "Golden Eagles" to refreshments and a tour of their squadron spaces. Based in Hachinohe (near Misawa in Northern Japan), VP-4 became their "sister squadron" over the six-month deployment. In late March, the "Golden Eagles" expressed their appreciation by hosting the "Blackies" to a barbecue picnic and Sports Day at Misawa Air Base. Through participation in various exercises during deployment, the "Golden Eagles" were also able to build friendships and strengthen bonds with their military counterparts from South Korea, India, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. In April, VP-9 participated in Exercise Tandem Thrust, held in Guam. This exercise provided an outstanding opportunity to conduct operations in a joint environment with Air Force and Marine Corps forces.

One of the most rewarding missions performed by the "Golden Eagles" on their deployment were Search and Rescue operations. In a joint search with a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 operating out of Guam in March 2003, VP-9 Combat Aircrew 10 helped locate three people adrift on a 19-foot open skiff. Located over 200 miles from Guam, the skiff had been missing for nearly a week. After locating the small boat visually, surface units were directed to its location and its three wet but grateful occupants were returned safely to shore.

Reflecting on the squadron's performance over the past six months, VP-9's commanding officer, Cmdr. Dan Rieck, could not be more pleased. Having recently assumed command of the "Golden Eagles" following a year as the squadron's Executive Officer, Rieck said, "I am truly inspired by the dedication and professionalism of each and every "Golden Eagle." Every member of the squadron - maintainer, aircrew, and administrator - has done an absolutely outstanding job." With their return to MCBH Kaneohe Bay now only days away, Rieck had a few words for "Golden Eagle" families and friends back in Kaneohe Bay. "I'd like to personally thank each of you for supporting your "Golden Eagle" on deployment. Your love and support have been absolutely vital to our success over the past six months. You have every reason to be proud of your "Golden Eagle" - they truly represent the very best of America and the principles on which it was founded. We look forward to seeing you all very soon."