Last modified Wed., June 06, 2007 - 05:52 PM
Originally created Thursday, June 7, 2007

Mad Foxes return home

Mission accomplished for VP-5 squadron

By MCSN(AW) Harry Rucker III, VP-5

Robertson-Leake A P3-C Orion from the VP-5 "Madfoxes," taxies across the runway after landing at NAS Jacksonville May 31. VP-5 has just returned from a six-month deployment to NAS Sigonella, Italy. Photos by MC1(AW) Melissa

The "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 returned to NAS Jackson-ville last week, after a six-month tri-site deployment to the Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), European Command (EUCOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibilities (AOR) in support of maritime security operations and the global war on terror.

Squadron members returned home throughout the week to happily awaiting families and friends. "We called and e-mailed my dad every day. It was pretty hard on my mom because there are three of us kids. I helped with the baby and cleaned up after dinner. I'm really glad my dad is home," said 9-year-old Hunter Thompson, while waiting for his dad, AO1 Shawn Thompson at one of the homecomings.

VP-5 combat aircrews flew more than 3,500 hours completing various missions around the world. Squadron operations in the SOUTHCOM AOR resulted in the seizure of over 29 metric tons of illegal narcotics in the Caribbean and Pacific with an estimated street value of more than three billion dollars. This includes a single seizure of more than 11 metric tons of cocaine. In the CENTCOM AOR, the Mad Foxes supported coalition efforts to eliminate piracy, intercept terrorists and impede illegal arms movements.

Deontrez lost his flip flop running out to hug his mom, SK2 Tangela Holmes at the VP-5 homecoming Monday.

Flying in the EUCOM AOR, squadron personnel coordinated detachments throughout Europe and Western Africa, conducting multi-national missions in support of the global war on terror.

VP-5 also flew joint military operations strengthening U.S. military ties with Senegal, Israel, Morocco, Germany, Ghana, Romania and Bulgaria.

Despite the squadron's busy operational schedule, Sailors and aircrew earned various qualifications and awards, including 52 personnel being qualified or re-qualified for their air warfare service pin. Additionally, 66 Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medals were awarded.

'Mad Foxes' return home

Theresa Cormier and her son, Austin were some of the first to greet Sailors who came off the plane during a homecoming May 31. Dad and husband AE2 Robert Cormier greeted them with hugs and kisses after his six-month deployment. Photo by MC2(SW/AW) Rebecca Kruck

Dylan and Carson excitedly greet their dad, AO2 Ray Perry.