Military

"Tridents" of VP-65 Disestablished

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060315-06
Release Date: 3/15/2006 12:02:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class Elton Shaw, Naval Air Reserve Point Mugu Public Affairs

POINT MUGU, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Reserve Patrol Squadron (VP) 65, stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Point Mugu, was formally disestablished during a ceremony at the VP-65 hangar March 4.

Among the 300-plus people in attendance for the ceremony were several past commanding officers, officers-in-charge, command master chiefs and Sailors.

“Today, we collectively come together to celebrate more than 35 years of service to our great country. Our mission is to disestablish this fine organization and record the final words, on the final page, of the final chapter of the remarkable Team Trident story,” said Cmdr. Kevin Simpson, commanding officer of VP-65.

The Tridents were established Nov. 16, 1970, during a major reorganization of the Naval Air Reserve Force. The squadron, manned by a combination of active-duty, full time support and part-time (selected reserve) personnel, was formed along the lines of fleet Navy squadrons, with nearly identical manning and organization levels.

Throughout the ceremony, Simpson mentioned many of the milestones and accomplishments the squadron achieved over the years and made it clear the uncompromising commitment of Team Trident Sailors was the key.

“Simply put, you delivered excellence in everything you did. You flew and maintained our aircraft like our commanders and taxpayers expected. Moreover, you were loyal to one another. You watched out for one another and you were persistent in your charge to develop tomorrow’s leaders,” Simpson said.

Since its inception, VP-65 has received many awards, including the AVCM Donald M. Neal Award, the “Golden Wrench” (1981, 1988, 1990 and 1997), presented annually to the best of the Reserve P-3 squadrons for excellence in aircraft maintenance, the “Golden Anchor” (1991, 1995 and 1997) for retention excellence and the Noel Davis “Battle 'E'” Trophy (1972, 1994, and 1997).

VP-65 air crews have successfully completed countless missions around the world, providing consistent operational support spanning from the Cold War to the global war on terrorism.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Lemmons, vice commander, Naval Air Forces and commander, Naval Air Force Reserve was on hand as the guest speaker and to present Simpson with a Meritorious Service Medal for his time as the squadron’s final commanding officer.

After he received his award Simpson read the official disestablishment order: “In accordance with Chief of Naval Operations Notice 3111 you are hereby ordered to disestablish VP-65 effective March 31, 2006.”