VP-24 History
Circa 1995
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Awards, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/ja95.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...1994 Battle E Winners Announced - Naval Aviation News - May - June 1995.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1995/mj95.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Patrol Squadron Twenty-Four Disestablishment Ceremony - NAS Jacksonville, Florida 13APR1995..." [02JAN2001]
UNITED STATES NAVY......TRADITION
The ceremony you witness today Is not prescribed specffically by United States Navy regulations, but rather Is an honored product of the rich heritage of Navy tradition. It Is a custom wholly naval withoLT an equivalent counterpart In the Army or Air Force. Custom has established that naval ceremonies be formal and Impressive, designated to strengthen that respect for authority which Is vital to any military organization. Parading all hands at Quarters and public reading of official orders stems from those days when movement of mail and persons was a very slow process. This procedure was designated to ensure only a duly authorized officer held command and that all aboard were aware of its authenticity.
The purpose of today's ceremony is twofold, to unite and celebrate with old shipmates as we bid farewell to an organization near and dear to us all As Batmen, we have served with great distinction In all corners of the globe. We have flown In peace and war, setting the standard of excellence for patrol aviation. Today we are gathered to remember and honor the extraordinary accomplishments of Batmen past and present. May this ceremony Inspire those still serving to continue In the proud tradition of VP-24.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
ARRIVAL OF OFFICIAL PARTY AND DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
PARADING OF THE COLORS Honors Support Team, NAS Jacksonville
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM Navy Band, Orlando, FL
POSTING OF THE COLORS Honors Support Team, NAS Jacksonville, Florida
INVOCATION Dr. James Hoffman, Jr.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Commander Steve A. Seal, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer
INTRODUCTION OF THE GUEST SPEAKER Captain Paul S. Semko, U.S. Navy Commander, Patrol Wing Eleven
GUEST SPEAKER Rear Admiral Thomas F. Hall, U.S. Navy Commander, Naval Reserve Force
REMARKS AND SQUADRON DISESTABLISHMENT Commander Steve A. Seal, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer
BENEDICTION Dr. James Hoffman, Jr.
RETIRING OF THE COLORS Honors Support Team, NAS Jacksonville
CAKE CUTTING CEREMONY REFRESHMENTS AND A TOUR OF A VP-24 P-3C (U-III) "ORION" FOLLOW THE CEREMONY
COMMANDER STEVE A. SEAL COMMANDING OFFICER PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
Commander Steve A. Seal, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Seal, was born and raised in Morristown, Tennessee. He entered the Naval Academy in July 1973 and was commissioned an Ensign in June 1977. Upon completion of flight training, he was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1978.
After completion of enroute training, he reported aboard Patrol Squadron EIGHT in NAS Brunswick, Maine. He served as Airframes-Corrosion Control Branch officer, Communications Division Officer and Pilot Training Officer. During this assignment, he was designated as Mission Commander and Instructor Pilot in the P-3B and P-3C "Orion" aircraft with deployments to NS Rota, Spain and NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal.
In July 1982, Commander Seal reported aboard Patrol Squadron THIRTY in NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where he served as an Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Division Officer and the Pilot NATOPS/Alternate AIRLANT Evaluator.
Following his tour in NAS Jacksonville, Florida, he was ordered to NAS Keflavik, Iceland in April 1985 as the Flag Lieutenant and later, Flag Secretaiy to Commander, Iceland Defense Force, and Commander Fleet Air Keflavlk. During this tour, he participated in the President Reagan - Gorbachev summit In Iceland.
In April 1987 Commander Seal joined Patrol Wing FIVE at NAS Brunswick, Maine, as the Safety/NATOPS/Pilot Training Officer.
Following this tour, in November 1988, he reported to Patrol Squadron FORTY-FOUR in NAS Brunswick, Maine. He served as Assistant Operations, Safety/NATOPS, and Operations Officer and participated In operational deployments to NS Rota, Spain; Thule, Greenland; and NAS Keflavik, Iceland. In August 1990, he was assigned to the Navy Officce of Legislative Affairs in Washington, D.C.
In May 1993, Commander Seal reported for duty as Executive Officer of Patrol Squadron FORTY-FOUR and assumed command In May 1994.
Commander Seal's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2), Overseas Service Ribbon, Battle "E" Ribbon (3), National Defense Service Medal (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), and Expert Pistol Medal.
Following Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR's disestablishment, Commander Seal will report to Commander, Patrol Wing ELEVEN as the Chief Staff Officer.
COMMANDER KENNETH W. DEUTSCH EXECUTIVE OFFICER PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
Commander Kenneth William Deutsch is a native of Burlington, Illinois. He attended illinois State University, graduating in June 1978, and received his commission in August 1978 through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate (AVROC) Program. in July 1979 Commander Deutsch was designated a Naval Flight Officer.
In February of 1980, Commander Deutsch joined Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN and completed deployments to NAS Sigonella, Sicily; NAS Bermuda/ NAS Cubi Point, Philippines; and NS Rota, Spain/ NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal.
Commander Deutsch reported in July 1983 to Patrol Squadron THIRTY, the Fleet Replacement Squadron, where he served as Communications Officer, Tactical Training Team (TTI) Instructor, and NFO Training Officer.
In July 1986, Commander Deutsch reported to Commander, Battle Force Seventh Fleet/ Commander, Carrier Group Five, homeported in Cubi Pt, RP, where he served as Flag Secretary and Flag Lieutenant. While on board the staff, he qualified as Flag Tactical Action Officer and served on several flagships, including USS Midway (CV 41) and USS Ranger (CV 61). In September 1987 the Carrier Group Five staff became the first Joint Task Force Middle East staff on which Commander Deutsch served as Flag Lieutenant for the Commander, completing a six month deployment to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean on board USS Long Beach (CGN 9) and USS Iowa (BB 61) during the Iran/Iraq War and Operation Earnest Will.
Following the tour in the Philippines, he was assigned in August 1988 to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. where he served as the VP Shore and then Sea Detailer in the Aviation Assignment Branch.
In November 1990, Commander Deutsch joined PATROL SQUADRON FIVE where he served as Assistant Maintenance Officer and Maintenance Officer, completing a NS Rota, Spain/ NAF Lajes, Azores, Portugal deployment. Upon completion of this tour in February 1992, he reported to Patrol Wing Eleven where he served as Operations Officer until January, 1994.
In May 1994, Commander Deutsch reported for duty as Executive Officer of PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR.
Commander Deutsch's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commedation Medal (4), Navy Achievement Medal (2), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (7), Battle "E' Ribbon (3), National Defense Service Medal (2), Southwest Asia Service Medal (with Bronze Star), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon. Following PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR's disestablishment, Commander Deutsch will report for duty as Executive Officer of PATROL SQUADRON FORTY-FIVE.
AWCM (AW/NAC) JAMES A. STUTHERS, JR. COMMAND MASTER CHIEF PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator. Master Chief Petty Officer James A. Stuthers, Jr.. was born on December 15, 1946, in McAllen, Texas. Isle enlisted in the Navy in August 1968 in Covington. Kentucky. Upon completion of Recruit Training he graduated from AX 'A' School. In December 1968 he reported to his first fleet operational squadron Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron THREE (HS-3) at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. He made deployTnents on USS YORKTOWN (CVS-1O), USS INTREPID (CVSA 1), USS WASP (CVS-18), AND USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59). In January of 1973. he jointed Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron ELEVEN (HS-11) in USS INTREPID (CVS-11).
In October 1973, Master Chief Stuthers was assigned to AIRTEVRON ONE (VX-1), NAS Patuxent River, Maryland where he was the primary crewman on various CNO projects and qualified in five different types of Naval aircraft.
In June 1977, Master Chief Stuthers became part of the establishment crew for Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron TWELVE (HS-12) at NAS North Island, San Diego, California. He was selected and advanced to Chief Petty Officer m December of the same year. Deployments were in USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). USS AMERICA (CVA-66). and (JSS CONSTELLATION (CV-64).
Master Chief Stuthers reported for instructor duty in September 1980 at NAVPC Memphis, Tennessee, where he instructed all phases of AW "A" School. Terminating his shore duty early, he took Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron TWELVE (HS-12) overseas to ifs new forward deployed homeport In Yokouska. Japan as the Senior Enlisted Advisor. Deployments were m lASS MIDWAY (CV-41). He was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer on 16 July 1986.
In April 1987, Master Chief Stuthers was selected to attend the Navy's Senior Enlisted Academy, in Newport, Rhode Island. After graduation. he reported to Helicopter Antisubmarnle Squadron ONE (HS- 1) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida where he assumed the duties of Command Master Chief. In August 1991, he assumed the duties of Command Master Chief at the NAS Atsugi, Japan. In July 1994, he commenced his tour as the Command Master Chief of Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
Master Chief Stuthers awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (two awards). Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle "E' Ribbon (2). Good Conduct Medal (six awards). National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (seven awards), and Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (two awards).
Following Patrol Squadron TWENTY-FOUR's disestablishment, Master Chief Stuthers will assume the duties as Command Master Chief of Naval Recruiting District. Montgomery, Alabama.
PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR OFFICERS
LCDR WAYNE P. STAMPER LGDR GREGORY H. SKINNER LCDR SCOTT E. THOMAS LCDR WILLIAM 0. DERR. JR. LT JOAN M. SCHMIIIYF LT JAMES T. RICHARDSON LT BILLY G. ANDREWS LTJOSEPH M. SCHMITT LT ERIK L. SNYDER LT DAVID M. WRIGHT, JR. LT DERRICK E. GARVIN LT CONS'FANCE 3. BAKER LT ANTHONY W. MAYBRIER LT WADE It MIKULLA LT PAUL 0. WERRING LT MARK A. CREASEY LT JAMES P. DODSON LT BRENDAN D. BERRY LT MICHAEL S. CONYAC LT SHANNON D. CHRISTOPHERSON LT TODD D. MADDOX LT PETER L. CR1317 LT FORREST G. ThOMPSON, JR. LT ROBERT M. nErDS LT DAVID M. SHARPE LT SCOTT C. WHITPEN LTJO JAMES R. MOLINARI LTJG DAVID J. HANSON LTJG WILLIAM T. MCLESTER ENS CARLTON D. HERBERT LCDR GEORGE H. KAHLERT. JR. LCDR JOHN W. DZIMINOWICZ LCDR FREDERICK B. BUONI, II LCDR STEVEN N. VISSER LT ROBERT D. FIACCO LT JEFFREY M. ROGALINER LT JOHN C. METZGAR LT ERIC M. BUENVJAJE LT WIULIAM C. FIUAN LT WILUIAM A. FRIES, JR. LT RICHARD W. STRAYER LT JAMES U. BAIUEY UTTIMOTHYS. RAMEY LT DAVID W. PAYNE LT JASON M. CARTER LT WIULIAM E. DEUISIO LT JAMES D. HERZOG LT WIUUIAM G. MANN LT ERNESTO M. DELARIVAHERREA LT JOHN W. VERNIEST LT SCOTT A. HANSON LT BERNEYITE A. CORBIN LT ERIK C. HARRIS LT MICHAEL 3. BRAKORA LT EDWIN H. PARRY, JR LT PAULO. DAVIS, III LTJG JOHN R. MILLER LTJG MICHAEL R. RICHARDSON LTJG GARY T. AMBROSE CWO4 CHARLES 3. OGLESBY CWO2 EUGENE C. CR0 WLEY, III
PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS AWCM (AW/NAC) STUTHERS AWCS SMITH ATCS LESTER ADCS MERKISON ATCS CACERES AECS KEYS YNC CALVERLEY ATC LANGLEY ASC HOUSTON AMHC SIGRIST ADC HEARN ATC BARROW PNC SCHELL AOC CARNEY AMSC AGCAOILI AMHC BLUNT AZC ANDERSON AWC MORLEY-MOWER AMHC HESS AWC NASH ATC JOHNSON
HISTORY OF PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
Home based onboard NAS Jacksonville, Florida PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR's primary missions are Maritime Surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), and Aerial Mining. Operating in accordance with the Navy's doctrine as outlined in "Forward... .From the Sea", PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR maintains an operational watch over the world's littoral areas and the ocean's shipping lanes, projecting American power and influence during both peacetime and in times of crisis.
In recent years the squadron has deployed to NAS Keflavik, Iceland; NAS Sigonella, Sicily and numerous other North Atlantic and Mediterranean bases, most recently returning in February 1995 from NAS Keflavik, Iceland. Through 52 years of high tempo operations, from combat missions in World War II, to a major role in winning the Cold War, to participation in Operation DESERT STORM, PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR has operated throughout the world and has proven it's modern capabilities as a highly mobile, fast reacting combat unit, ready at a moment's notice to employ any number of its wide array of weapons to counter hostile forces.
PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR has flown many aircraft types over the course of five decades, the most capable of which is their current Maritime Patrol Aircraft, the sophisticated, heavily armed Lockheed P-3C Update III ORION. This formidable aircraft is the backbone of the Navy's air ASW force is equipped with digital computer controlled displays and processing equipment, global positioning satellite navigation equipment, satellite communications, and an array of torpedoes, missiles and bombs. The P-3C has four turbo-prop engines which provide a range of over 4000 nautical miles and a cruising speed in excess of 350 knots. With a crew of 5 officers and 6 enlisted the P-3C is the world's best Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Originally commissioned as BOMBING SQUADRON 104 (VB104) at MCAS/NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii on April 10th 1943, the squadron's first commanding officer was Commander Harry E. Sears. They flew the PB4Y-1 PRIVATEER conducting reconnaissance missions and flying interdiction and bombing missions against Japanese shipping.
VB-104 distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater during World War II by conducting long range searches and offensive reconnaissance missions. During their first deployment alone the squadron flew over 1,252 sorties and logged in excess of 12,000 hours. They destroyed or damaged 30 enemy aircraft, sunk or seriously damaged 51 ships and completed many highly effective bombing raids on enemy installations. Their success during the dangerous early stages of the war was recognized by the awarding of a Presidential Unit Citation, the first in the war awarded to a Patrol Squadron.
The squadron was redesignated VPB-104 on the 15th of May, 1944 at NAAS Camp Kearny, California and after a five month training cycle the squadron was sent back in harm's way, this time to the Western Pacific. On it's second round of combat, from 6 November 1944 through 31 May 1945, VPB-104 flew nearly 12,500 hours and destroyed another 49 aircraft of which 38 were airborne kills. Additionally, they sunk 254 vessels and damaged 262. The effectiveness of 'Screaming" 104 did not go unnoticed as VPB-104 became the only squadron in history to be honored twice with the Presidential Unit Citation.
Following the war, the squadron was redesignated VP-104 and deployed to many places over the next few years, including Floyd Bennett Field outside of New York City, NAS Edento and NAS Atlantic City. The squadron transitioned to the PB4Y-2B in the fall of 1946 and trained to carry the Navy's first air-to-ground missile, the ASM-N-2 Bat missile. This anti-shipping, radar homing glide bomb gave the squadron it's current name the "BATMEN". The "BATMEN" were once again redesignated in July of 1948 when the squadron gained its current designation as VP-24. In 1954 the squadron transitioned to the P2V-6B NEPTUNE while simultaneously moving it's homebase from Patuxent River, Maryland to NAS Chincoteague, Virginia.
In 1956 the squadron transitioned to the P2V-5F propeller and jet equipped aircraft. This new aircraft changed the primary mission of the "BATMEN" from bombing to ASW and the squadron was at the forefront of the coming revolution in antisubmarine warfare tactics and emerging capabilities. Employing their new aircraft and skills, VP-24 returned to Malta in the Mediterranean Sea in 1958 as the first United States Navy squadron to deploy to that strategic location.
Throughout the early 1960's the "BATMEN" were attached to Task Group Delta where they helped develop and accelerate the implementation of air ASW tactics and doctrine in order to improve the readiness of the Atlantic Fleet. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR deployed to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, participating in the naval blockade of communist Cuba.
In July of 1967 VP-24 once again changed homeport, this time moving from NAS Norfolk, Virginia to NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. With this move also caine their transition to the versatile, multi-mission P-3 "ORION" aircraft. The squadron's final homeport change would occur in October of 1972 when the "BATMEN" relocated to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. The squadron would make deployments to all areas of the globe throughout the 1970's, 1980's and the 1990's, contributing in great measure to the Cold War victory with their "Beartrap" program and record setting performances against new construction Russian surface and subsurface combat forces. The "BATMEN" and their final commanding officer, Commander Steve Seal, completed their last deployment in February of 1995 and returned home for the final time to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, capping a record setting deployment during which they surpassed 26 years and 169,000 hours of accident free flying. Winning every battle from World War II to the Cold War, the Patrol Squadron TWENTY- FOUR "BATMEN" are proud of their heroic chapter in the history book of Naval Aviation. Finishing their history the same way they began, VP-24 closed out their last year by winning the Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic 1994 Battle "E" Award as the top squadron in the Atlantic Fleet. The squadron's superlative record is reflected in the 5~ years of award winning service during which they garnered two Presidential Unit Citations, two Navy Unit Commendations, five Meritorious Unit Commendations, and two Battle "E" awards.
COMMANDING OFFICERS PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
CDR H. E. SEARS APR 1943 - JUN 1944
LCDR W. WRIGHT JUN 1944 - JUN 1945
LCDR W. COLE JUN 1945 - JUN 1946
LCDR R. B. BUCHAN JUN 1946 - JUN 1947
CDR J. F. BUNOY JUN 1947 - AUG 1948
LCDR J. A. ONEIL AUG 1948 - OCT 1948
CDR W. E. CALDER OCT 1948 - JAN 1950
CDR J. W. LENNEY JAN 1950 - MAY 1951
CDR J. A. MCKEON MAY 1951 - SEP 1952
LCDR S. W. SHELTON SEP 1952 - JUL 1953
CDR H. P. KOOY JUL 1953 - JAN 1955
CDR J. T. VEDT JAN 1955 - JUL 1956
CDR R. E. RAU JUL 1956 - JAN 1958
CDR C. F. RIEF JAN 1958 - JUL 1959
CDR J. B. BARNEY JUL 1959 - JAN 1961
CDR W. W. WARLICK JAN 1961 - OCT 1961
CDR M. T. LULU OCT 1961 - OCT 1962
CDR S. EDELMAN OCT 1962 - OCT 1963
CDRJ. J. DEMAYO OCT 1963 - OCT 1964
CDR R. D. AMME OCT 1964 - SEP 1965
CDR F. C. KOLDA SEP 1965 - DEC 1966
CDR A. S. HIBBS DEC 1966 - DEC 1967
CDR D. L. GEITZ DEC 1967 - NOV 1968
CDR C. L. PRIDDY, JR. NOV 1968 - DEC 1969
CDR R. A. MARTINI DEC 1969 - NOV 1970
CDR R. L. SEWELL NOV 1970 - SEP 1971
CDR G. L. PETRI SEP 1971 - OCT 1972
CDR E. F. DOHERTY OCT 1972 - OCT 1973
CDR D. H. DEMAND OCT 1973 - NOV 1974
CDR B. T. HACKER NOV 1974 - NOV 1975
CDR S. F. GALLO NOV 1975 - DEC 1976
CDR L. H. GRAFEL DEC 1976 - DEC 1977
CDR D. G. GENTRY DEC 1977 - DEC 1978
CDR G. K. GRAHAM DEC 1978 - NOV 1979
CDR T. P. HINSON NOV 1979 - DEC 1980
CDR J. C. SULLIVAN DEC 1980 - DEC 1981
CDR P. C. PERINE DEC 1981 - JAN 1983
CDR W. M. VICKERY JAN 1983 - APR 1984
CDR L. E. JOHNSON APR 1984 - JUN 1985
CDR M. G. BRUNER JUN 1985 - JUL 1986
CDR M. M. SPOLARICH, JR. JUL 1986 - JUL 1987
CDR R. L. RODGERS JUL 1987 - MAY 1988
CDR P. J. FLETCHER MAY 1988 - MAY 1989
CDR G. J. MURPHY MAY 1989 - MAY 1990
CDR M. L. HOLMES MAY 1990 - MAY 1991
CDR S. J. BURICH, IIIbr>MAY 1991 - MAY 1992
CDR S. D. BOZIN MAY 1992 - MAY 1993
CDR P. F. PEARSON, JR. MAY 1993 - MAY 1994
CDR S. A. SEAL MAY 1994 - MAY 1995
AWARDS PATROL SQUADRON TWENTY-FOUR
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION (2) Aug 1943 - Mar 1944 Nov 1944 - Jun 1945
NAVY UNIT COMMENDATION Sep 1969 - Nov 1969
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION Nov 1968 - Aug 1969 Jun 1971 - Jul 1971 Jul 1978 - Dec 1978 Mar 1981 - Feb 1982 Feb 1991 - Aug 1991
BATTLE "E" 1978, 1994
HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL May 1980 (2)
JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD Aug 1990 - Oct 1991
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL 1962, 1993
NAVY EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL 1981, 1983
COAST GUARD UNIT COMMENDATION 1986
COAST GUARD MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION (2) 1985, 1987
COAST GUARD SPECIAL OPERATIONS (2) 1988, 1993
COMMANDER SIXTH FLEET ASW HOOK'EM AWARD 1982
A BIT OF HISTORY: "06MAR95--Congratulations to the "batmen" of VP-24 on your selection as COMNAVAIRLANT CY-94 Battle "E" award winner. The professionalism and dedication displayed by all hands in CY-94, your successful Keflavik deployment and detachments to the Mediterranean stands as testament to the quality of your personnel. You should be extremely proud of this accomplishment." From RADM Jon S. Coleman, CTF Six Seven, in a recent message to Patron Two Four..." http://www.chinfo.navy.mil/navpalib/news/eurnews/eur95/eur95009.txt
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-24 Batmen Disestablished...Naval Aviation News Jan/Feb 98, "Airscoop"..." Contributed by Andy Massa navyvp24@hotmail.com [06MAR98]
A 13 April 1995 ceremony at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., marked the disestablishment of Patrol Squadron (VP) 24 (officially 30 April) after 52 years of service. Cdr. Steve A. Seal was the last CO of the Batmen.
VP-24's long history began during WWII when the squadron was formed from a cadre of VP-71 personnel and established at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, on 10 April 1943 as Bombing Squadron (VB) 104. Equipped with the PB4Y-1 Liberator patrol bomber, VB-104 was sent into action in the southwest Pacific in August 1943, flying from Guadalcanal on strike and reconnaissance missions against Japanese islands and shipping. After operating briefly from Munda airfield on New Georgia, the squadron returned to the United States in March 1944 for rest and reorganization.
After training work-ups at NAAS Kearney Field, Calif.; NAS Hutchinson, Kansas; and Kaneohe Bay, the squadron was redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron (VPB) 104 and returned to combat in November 1944, resuming strike and reconnaissance missions from the captured airstrip on the island of Morotai in the Netherlands East Indies. VPB-104 continued the same operations after moving to Clark Field in the Philippines. On one memorable mission, a PB4Y-1 crew led by Lt. Paul Stevens intercepted a Japanese "Emily" flying boat off the coast of China and shot it up so badly it was forced to beach itself on the Chinese coast. The flying boat's passenger, VAdm. Yamagata, en route to Japan for an interview with Emperor Hirohito for the position of undersecretary of the Imperial Japanese Navy, committed suicide on the beach rather than surrender to Chinese partisans. VPB-104 was the only patrol squadron to receive two Presidential Unit Citations for WWII actions.
At war's end, VPB-104 moved to NAS Floyd Bennett Field, N.Y., and switched to the PB4Y-2 (later P4Y-2) Privateer patrol plane. Redesignated VP-104 on 15 May 1946, the squadron changed home base to NAS Atlantic City, New Jersey, the following week as one of two Atlantic Fleet squadrons armed with the ASM-N-2 Bat glide bomb. On 15 November 1946, VP-104 was redesignated Heavy Patrol Squadron (landplane) (VP-HL) 4. In 1947, the squadron received the PB4Y-2B version, making four deployments to Argentia, Newfoundland, and one each to NAS Port Lyautey, French Morocco, and Luqa, Malta, between 1947 and 1954. VP-HL-4 moved to NAS Patuxent River, Md., in April 1948 and was redesignated VP-24 on 1 September 1948. The squadron moved to NAS Chincoteague, Virginia., in 1954.
The squadron, equipped with the P2V-6M Neptune, was one of two Navy squadrons selected to deploy the Petrel guided missile in March 1956. On 1 July, VP-24 was redesignated Attack Mining Squadron 13 with the primary mission of aerial mining. The Batmen deployed twice to Malta (before shifting home base to NAS Norfolk, Va., in 1959) and once to Keflavik, Iceland, with the P2V-6M. While deployed to Keflavik, on 1 July 1959, the squadron was once again redesignated VP-24.
In November 1959, VP-24 received its first P2V-7S (SP-2H) versions. The squadron deployed to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in late 1962 and again in early 1963, conducting quarantine surveillance and monitoring the removal of Soviet missiles and bombers from Cuba. By 1967, VP-24 made deployments to Rota, Spain; Keflavik; NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Sigonella, Sicily; and Souda Bay, Crete, with its SP-2Hs, tracking Soviet submarines and shipping, among other missions.
On 5 July 1967, VP-24 moved back to Patuxent River in conjunction with its transition to the P-3B Orion patrol plane. With the transition complete in December 1967, the squadron deployed in March 1968 to Rota, maintaining a detachment in Lajes, Azores. The Batmen assisted in the search for the nuclear-powered submarine Scorpion, which was lost at sea in May 1968.
After a Keflavik/Lajes deployment in 1969, VP-24 became the third Atlantic Fleet squadron to switch to the P-3C version, completing the transition in March 1970. After two more deployments to Keflavik, VP-24 made its final home base change to NAS Jacksonville in October 1972. After a 973 deployment to Keflavik/Lajes, the Batmen maintained a series of "mini-detachments" at Bermuda and Lajes in 1974, as a test of an alternative to the full-squadron/split-site deployments common in this era. From 1974 until 1991, VP-24 made 11 major deployments to Bermuda, Sigonella, Lajes and Keflavik, heavily involved in tracking Soviet submarines and ships, and supporting cold war fleet operations and crisis response efforts.
In the early 1990s, VP-24 received the Update III retrofit version of the P-3C. The Batmen made two more deployments with this version, to Sigonella in 1992-1993 and Keflavik in 1994-1995. The squadron flew missions in support of Operation Sharp Guard, enforcing sanctions against the former Yugoslavia. Returning to Jacksonville for the last time on 9 February 1995, VP-24 quickly drew down its operations in preparation for disestablishment...." Contributed by Andy Massa navyvp24@hotmail.com [06MAR98]
Circa 1994
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Records (Safe Flying) - Naval Aviation News - November - December 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/nd94.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadrons To Shut Down - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/so94.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Awards, Major Deployments, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1994.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1994/ja94.pdf [12NOV2004]
Circa 1993
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command, Records, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - September - October 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/so93.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP Deployments, Change-Of-Command, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - July - August 1993.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1993/ja93.pdf [12NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-24 Patch "...Final deployment before decommissioning NAS Keflavik, Iceland '93-'94..." Contributed by Timothy M Walker AW1(AW/NAC) USN Retired tmwalker@bellsouth.net [13FEB98]
Circa 1992
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Squadron Deployments, Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Disestablishment, etc. - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/ja92.pdf [11NOV2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change-Of-Command, Safe Flying, Etc. - Naval Aviation News - January-February 1992.." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1992/jf92.pdf [11NOV2004]
Circa 1991
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...This Is No Drill - Naval Aviation News - November-December 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/nd91.pdf [25OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/so91.pdf [24OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...1990 Patrol Squadron Major Deployments - Page 19 - Naval Aviation News - July-August 1991..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1991/ja91.pdf [23OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-24 Patch "...Circa 1991-1992 Med Deployment..." [08DEC2001]
Circa 1990
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 6, 7, 30 and 31 - Naval Aviation News - September-October 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/so90.pdf [22OCT2004]
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...History - Change-Of-Command - Page 8, 28 and 30 - Naval Aviation News - March-April 1990..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1990s/1990/ma90.pdf [22OCT2004]
"VP-24 History Summary Page"
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