VP-62 flies Haiti recon missions

VP-62 "Broadarrows" Plane Commander Lt. Cmdr. Jamey Shuemaker said, "This is our second mission this week to the air space over Haiti. When we arrive on station, we'll relieve a P-3 of VP-26 that's doing aerial surveys from a base in El Salvador."

Shuemaker continued, "Our primary mission is to monitor infrastructure - such as roads, bridges and harbors - along with ad hoc tasking as required. Once we're on station, we'll begin conducting aerial imagery of the northern coast of Haiti and work our way down Highway 100 to Port-au- Prince. Our crew will note any areas of concern, including poor road conditions, roadblocks and congestion. We also provide information on population migrations from Port-au-Prince to rural towns and agricultural areas.

As the sun rises, Associated Press photographer Phil Coale boards the P-3C Orion assigned to VP-62. Coale documented the 11-hour mission over Haiti Jan. 27.

Cmdr. Chris Moorhead, the flight's mission commander, said, "Another task we perform is identifying landing sites for relief helicopters. Government agencies on the ground use our surveys to ensure there are passable roads for humanitarian aid vehicles departing the capital."

"We also evaluate port access and activity, along with damage assessments along the coast."

Moorhead added, "Today we're operating with a 12-man crew. Additional expertise will be provided by VP-8 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Shawn Liedman and NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. We're also joined by an Associated Press photographer who will document our mission today."

Lt. Cmdr. Mary Andrews (right) and selected reservist Cmdr. Chris Moorhead check intelligence equipment prior to take off.

Shuemaker said, "Capt. Scorby is a highly experienced NFO (naval flight officer) from the EP-3 community and will be our fourth pilot today -which is really welcome when we're flying these 11-hour burners."

Scorby said he was pleased to get out from behind his desk and gain some flight hours in support of Operation Unified Response.

"This overland recon mission with VP-62 will continue to provide decision makers with a picture of how things are progressing on the ground - in order to best utilize assets flowing into Haiti from around the world," explained Scorby. "NAS Jacksonville has been heavily involved with transporting relief supplies to NS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and then on to the Haitian people. As of Jan. 27, our base has dispatched 46 airlifts totaling 2.53 million pounds of food, medical supplies and other material. As a naval flight officer, I'm honored to be part of this mission with the Broadarrows."

Before take off, Mission Commander Cmdr. Chris Moorhead reviews the flight plan for the day's ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) mission over Haiti.

VP-62 is a reserve force squadron commissioned in 1970 to a provide fully manned and equipped P-3C squadron in the event of war or national emergency. The squadron has selected reservists who commute across the southeastern United States to take part in proficiency training and fleet contributory support missions - such as Operation Unified Response.

(From left) NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. greets VP-62 Pilot Lt. Cmdr. Dave Perrin. Scorby, a naval flight officer from the EP-3 commuity, welcomed the opportunity to pilot the aircraft during the mission.

VP-62 Flight Commander Lt. Cmdr. Jamey Shuemaker (left) and VP-8 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Shawn Liedman discuss the day's mission in support of Operation Unified Response.