VR-64 History
Circa 2005
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...VR-64 Active, Reserve Sailors Support - Pakistani Earthquake Relief - Story Number: NNS051109-04 - Release Date: 11/9/2005 1:06:00 PM - By Journalist 2nd Class Cassandra Thompson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs..." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=20927 [18DEC2005]
FUJAIRAH, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- A detachment of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 64, based in Willow Grove, Pa., continues to support the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) humanitarian aid mission to Pakistan.
Having been deployed to Bahrain since September in support of NAVCENT, VR-64 has flown numerous missions delivering supplies to Pakistan for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck the region Oct. 8.
Unlike most Navy squadrons, the fleet's logistic squadrons are a completely integrated mix of selected reserve members and active-duty personnel.
"It's about 50 percent active-duty and 50 percent reservist," said Cmdr. Chris Thomson, officer in charge of the detachment in Bahrain. Thomson, a reserve member of VR-64, reported to Bahrain Oct. 31 on a 23-day annual training mission.
Active/Reserve Integration (ARI) has been promoted throughout the Navy as an important means of accomplishing the overall mission of the fleet.
VR-64 was established in September 2004, when the squadron transitioned from P-3 aircraft to C-130T aircraft. Thomson, from Boston, Mass., said the reservists had become used to P-3s, and initially relied on their active-duty counterparts to bring them up to speed with C-130 aircraft.
Loadmaster Aviation Electronics Technician Antonio Smith is an active duty crew member of VR-64's Bahrain detachment. He said the reservists in his squadron worked extra hours and came in on their civilian days off to get qualified on the C-130 aircraft.
"Some people spent the better half of their careers with P-3s. When we transitioned, it was like starting from scratch," he said. "I give them credit for what they do, having to work every day at their civilian jobs, then coming in on their days off to get their quals. I'm really proud of the ones that I work with."
Smith, who said a crew typically deploys to Bahrain with at least one or two reserve members, said he would not exchange his time with the reservists in his squadron for anything.
"You meet some real characters," he said. "It's fun working with them."
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
051021-N-5863B-069 Cairo, Egypt (Oct. 21, 2005) Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Four (VR-64) helps to load pallets of food, and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt. Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Wayne Patton, from Bucks County, Pa., far right, assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Four (VR-64) helps to load pallets of food, and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt, aboard one of VR-64's U.S. Navy C-130T Hercules cargo aircraft. The supplies will be flown to facilities in Manama, Bahrain, where they will be loaded aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) bound for Pakistan. The United States is participating in a multinational assistance and support effort led by the Pakistani Government to bring aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan on October 8, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carolla Bennett (RELEASED)
051021-N-5863B-086 Cairo, Egypt (Oct. 21, 2005) Sailors assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Four (VR-64), secure pallets of food, and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt. Sailors assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Four (VR-64), secure pallets of food, and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt, aboard one of VR-64's U.S. Navy C-130T Hercules cargo aircraft. The supplies will be flown to facilities in Manama, Bahrain, where they will be loaded aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) bound for Pakistan. The United States is participating in a multinational assistance and support effort led by the Pakistani Government to bring aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan on October 8, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carolla Bennett (RELEASED)
051021-N-5863B-099 Manama, Bahrain (Oct. 21, 2005) Food and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt are unloaded from a U.S. Navy aircraft. Food and re-building supplies donated by the government of The Arab Republic of Egypt are unloaded from a U.S. Navy C-130T Hercules aircraft assigned to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Six Four (VR-64). The supplies will be loaded aboard the U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) bound for Pakistan. The United States is participating in a multinational assistance and support effort led by the Pakistani Government to bring aid to the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Pakistan on October 8, 2005. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Carolla Bennett (RELEASED)
Circa 2004
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Reserve Patrol Squadron Takes On A Heavier Mission - Newly Named VR-64 Switches to C-130 Hercules - By Christopher Munsey - Times Staff Rriter - November 08, 2004..." WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/ [16MAR2009]
Waiting for permission to post entire article.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change of Command, Mission for Condors - Story Number: NNS040922-02 - Release Date: 9/22/2004 8:16:00 AM - By Senior Chief Journalist (SW) Doug Hummel, NAS JRB Willow Grove Public Affairs..." http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15230 [16NOV2004]
NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE WILLOW GROVE, Pa. (NNS) -- Cmdr. Mark R. Greenwood relieved Cmdr. Stephen R. Speed as commanding officer of VP-64 "Condors" in a change of command ceremony in their hangar Sept. 18.
It did not take long for Greenwood to get started at his new job. As soon as he took charge of the Condors, the squadron changed missions and roles in support of the global war on terrorism as they transitioned to a fleet logistic support squadron (VR).
"The part that has me excited is, very shortly after this ceremony, we're going to have aircraft on the ramp. Before you know it, those Navy-painted C-130s are going to be flying in and out of the Grove on local training flights as we continue to train our people, so we're back in business," said Greenwood. "As a VR squadron, we're looking forward to supporting the fleet by bringing the warfighters the tools they need to get the mission done."
Since the day the Condors found out they were going to transition into VR-64, Speed has been at the helm focused on preparing the squadron so it would be ready for its new mission.
"The biggest hurdles have been getting people trained. It's a whole new platform with a whole new mission," said Speed, the last commanding officer of VP-64, who will now report to the Naval Reserve Chief of Naval Operations Management Analysis Office in Washington, D.C. "What these Condors have accomplished over the past few months is nothing short of phenomenal. I've been amazed at their dedication. I've been amazed at what they have accomplished, and I've been amazed at the way they have continued to tackle the many obstacles that have been thrown in front of them."
Even though the squadron has not received their inventory of aircraft yet, they have done everything else to be ready for their new role. Gone are their C Orions and the radars needed to conduct anti-surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and aerial mine warfare operations. Personnel have been trained and maintenance equipment has been acquired to support the C-130 Hercules planes that will provide transportation for troops, supplies and gear all over the globe.
"I'm real excited about being done with training, and getting back to work and doing something for the Navy. I know that the mission is important, but the C-130 mission seems to have more of a direct impact [on the war on terrorism] because we'll be supporting the troops on the front lines in Iraq," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Burton Rheutan, an air framer in the Condors maintenance department who has been training to became a loadmaster on the C-130. "This transition has given me an opportunity to broaden my horizon, and to do something new and exciting."
"I feel very fortunate to be part of this," said Greenwood about being the first commanding officer of VR-64. "I don't know if I necessarily feel that much different than the most junior Sailor in the command who's going to be a plankowner of this new command. For me, it's just an opportunity to see the great work that people are doing in support of the effort overseas."
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...REDESIGNATION OF PATROL SQUADRON SIX FOUR (VP-64) TO FLEET LOGISTICS SUPPORT SQUADRON (VR-64)..." WebSite: http://neds.nebt.daps.mil/Directives/notices/3111_89.pdf [13OCT2004]
Canc frp: August 27, 2004 OPNAVNOTE 3111 Ser N09B16/4U681861
August 27, 2004
OPNAV NOTICE 3111
From: Chief of Naval Operations Subj: REDESIGNATION OF PATROL SQUADRON SIX FOUR (VP-64) TO FLEET LOGISTICS SUPPORT SQUADRON (VR-64)
Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 3111.14V
(b) SNDL (OPNAVNOTE 5400 of 18 Jun 03)
1. Purpose. To approve subject realignment of Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron SIX FOUR (VP-64) under the administrative command of the Chief of Naval Operations per reference (a).
2. Background and Mission. Patrol Squadron SIX FOUR (VP-64) has six P-3C aircraft operating in support of the maritime patrol mission that will be replaced by three C-130 aircraft. After conversion to the C-130, squadron designation will change to Fleet Logistics Support Squadron SIX FOUR (VR-64).
3. Organizational Changes. Rename Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron SIX FOUR (VP-64) to Commanding Officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron SIX FOUR (VR-64), effective 18 September 2004.
The following applies:Commanding Officer Commanding Officer VP-64 Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, PA 19090-5010 (PLA: PATRON SIX FOUR) (SNDL: 42P3) (UIC: 09172) (PDS: Willow Grove, PA)Commanding Officer VR-64 Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, PA 19090-5010 PLA: FLELOGSUPPRON SIX FOUR) (SNDL: 42Q3) (UIC: 09172) (PDS: Willow Grove, PA)b. Mission. To provide responsive, flexible, and rapidly air logistics support required to sustain combat operations at sea. During peacetime, squadrons provide air logistics support for all Navy commands as well as provide continuous quality training for mobilization readiness.
c. Major Claimant. COMNAVRESFOR
d. OPNAV Resource Sponsor. N095
e. Administrative Chain of Command
Echelon Administrative Chain of Command 2 Commander, Naval Reserve Force 3 Commander, Naval Reserve Forces Command 4 Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve 5 Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing 5. Actiona. This is advance change 55-04 to enclosure (5) of reference (b).
b. Master Update Authority, Honolulu, HI will revise the Plain Language Addresses (PLA) in the Central Directory Component effective 18 September 2004 unless otherwise directed via official correspondence. Correspondence concerning the PLA should be forwarded to NAVNETSPAOPSCOM (Code N31), 5280 Fourth St., Dahlgren VA 22448-5300.
6. Cancellation Contingency. This notice may be retained for reference purposes. The organization action will remain effective until changed by DNS. W. L. RIDDLE Captain, U.S. Navy Deputy Director, Navy Staff Distribution: Electronic only, via Navy Directives Website http://NEDS.NEBT.DAPS.MIL
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Change of Command, Mission for Condors..." [24OCT2004]
Change of Command, Mission for Condors Story Number: NNS040922-02 Release Date: 9/22/2004 8:16:00 AM
By Senior Chief Journalist (SW) Doug Hummel, NAS JRB Willow Grove Public Affairs
NAS Whiting Field, Milton, Florida (NNS) -- Cmdr. Mark R. Greenwood relieved Cmdr. Stephen R. Speed as commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 64 "Condors" in a change of command ceremony in their hangar Sept. 18.
It did not take long for Greenwood to get started at his new job. As soon as he took charge of the Condors, the squadron changed missions and roles in support of the global war on terrorism as they transitioned to a fleet logistic support squadron (VR).
"The part that has me excited is, very shortly after this ceremony, we're going to have aircraft on the ramp. Before you know it, those Navy-painted C-130s are going to be flying in and out of the Grove on local training flights as we continue to train our people, so we're back in business," said Greenwood. "As a VR squadron, we're looking forward to supporting the fleet by bringing the warfighters the tools they need to get the mission done."
Since the day the Condors found out they were going to transition into VR-64, Speed has been at the helm focused on preparing the squadron so it would be ready for its new mission.
"The biggest hurdles have been getting people trained. It's a whole new platform with a whole new mission," said Speed, the last commanding officer of VP-64, who will now report to the Naval Reserve Chief of Naval Operations Management Analysis Office in Washington, D.C. "What these Condors have accomplished over the past few months is nothing short of phenomenal. I've been amazed at their dedication. I've been amazed at what they have accomplished, and I've been amazed at the way they have continued to tackle the many obstacles that have been thrown in front of them."
Even though the squadron has not received their inventory of aircraft yet, they have done everything else to be ready for their new role. Gone are their P-3C Orions and the radars needed to conduct anti-surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare and aerial mine warfare operations. Personnel have been trained and maintenance equipment has been acquired to support the C-130 Hercules planes that will provide transportation for troops, supplies and gear all over the globe.
"I'm real excited about being done with training, and getting back to work and doing something for the Navy. I know that the P-3 mission is important, but the C-130 mission seems to have more of a direct impact [on the war on terrorism] because we'll be supporting the troops on the front lines in Iraq," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Burton Rheutan, an air framer in the Condors maintenance department who has been training to became a loadmaster on the C-130. "This transition has given me an opportunity to broaden my horizon, and to do something new and exciting."
"I feel very fortunate to be part of this," said Greenwood about being the first commanding officer of VR-64. "I don't know if I necessarily feel that much different than the most junior Sailor in the command who's going to be a plankowner of this new command. For me, it's just an opportunity to see the great work that people are doing in support of the effort overseas."
For related news, visit the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove, Pa., Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/nasjrbwg.
"VR-64 Summary Page"
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