A BIT OF HISTORY: "...In early 1969 all three squadrons (VP-871, VP-872 & VP-873) concentrated into one hardware squadron ( VP-71). This effort culminated on 13 July 1969 when 12 SP2H were launched within a 55 minute period for transpac to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii. This was an accomplishment recognized and lauded throughout the reserve command. In spite of less than optimum support for the SP2H aircraft, a total of 700 aircraft hours were flown and a significant increase in readiness accomplished. In August 27,1970 VP-71 was notified of disestablishment..." Contributed by Roger Busbee rlbusbe@sandia.gov [26OCT99]

Circa 1968

A BIT OF HISTORY: VP-873 Alpha Patch Logo "...ALPHA patch. This patch was presented to our crew in 1968 . Anyone who was attached to the reserve program realizes how hard it was to keep a crew together much less completed all exercises and be considered 100% combat ready..." Contributed by BUERSTER, AWC(AW) Jim "Punky" jbuerster@hotmail.com [23JAN99]

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Circa 1964

CREWs: VP-873 Crew "...Squadron photo of all VP-873 aircrew taken in 1964..." Contributed by Roger Busbee rlbusbe@sandia.gov [20NOV99]

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Circa 1960

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VP-731, VP-732, VP-733, VP-734, VP-871, VP-872, VP-873, VP-874 and VP-875) - Naval Aeronautical Organization OPNAV NOTICE 05400 for Fiscal Year 1960 dated 1 February 1960 is: DECLASSIFIED per Office of Chief of Naval Operations on 1 February 1965 by Op-501 - Atlantic Fleet Support Stations..." WebSite: Naval Historical Center http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao53-68/fy1960-feb60.pdf [12MAR2007]

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAS Oakland - Page 26 - Naval Aviation News - December 1960..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1960/dec60.pdf [18AUG2004]

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Circa 1963

A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Active Duty Squadron Splits - Page 35 - Naval Aviation News - April 1963..." WebSite: http://www.history.navy.mil/nan/backissues/1960s/1963/apr63.pdf [25AUG2004]

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"VP-873 History Summary Page"

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