Patrol Squadron Celebrates 30 Years of Mishap-Free Flying
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS081029-03
Release Date: 10/29/2008 5:46:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. Frank Verducci, VP-9 Public Affairs
ALI AB, Iraq (NNS) -- Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9) executed a major safety milestone for maritime patrol aviation Oct. 26 when Combat Aircrew 11 safely completed an eight-hour mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom surpassing 30 years and 180,000 hours of mishap-free flying.
From Cold War anti-submarine warfare in the 1970s out of Adak, Alaska, to present-day expeditionary missions during an Iraqi summer desert deployment, this accomplishment uniquely attests to the squadron's past and present leadership and keen focus in all matters concerning aviation safety in any environment.
Cmdr. Curtis K. Phillips, commanding officer, Patrol Squadron 9, praised the squadron for its professionalism and dedication to this daily effort.
"Our concern for safety is a constant companion. This milestone represents the efforts of VP-9 aviators and maintenance professionals spanning the last thirty years.
"This mission was flown by a junior aircrew, a testament to the standardization and leadership, at the lowest levels, that is required to safely and effectively operate an aging airframe while bridging the gap to the P-8 Poseidon. We are proud to have the opportunity to reflect on this squadron's legacy of safety."
Patrol Squadron 9 is finishing up a seven-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will return to their home base of Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
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