'Mad Foxes' finish deployment in a flurry

Piloting the P-3C ''Orion'' on only her second flight as the squadron's newest patrol plane commander, Lt. Brooke O'Brien formally concluded the final chapter of a six-month deployment as she ''greased'' the landing after a transit home from NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Italy.

Serving the cause of freedom over the last six months, VP-5 ''Mad Foxes'' executed 512 operational missions and 3,212 flight hours while stretching out over 12 time zones supporting missions in three theaters of operation, including South America, Africa and the Middle East.

During the deployment, the bulk of the squadron was based out of NAS Sigonella, Sicily, Italy, supporting the United States European Command (EUCOM) where VP-5 executed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions supporting Operations Active Endeavor, Deliberate Forge and Joint Guardian. AO3 Cheryl Grosso enjoyed most of her deployment in Sigonella, '' I really enjoyed loading live ammo on the P-3. It is a great feeling knowing you are doing your part in the fight against terrorism.''

Members of VP-5 Crew Four pose in front of the Kandahar International Airport in Afghanistan prior to departing for their next mission. Photo courtesy of VP-5

The Mad Foxes were also able to hone their antisubmarine warfare (ASW) skills in numerous exercises, carrying out mock attacks on 18 different submarines from multiple countries.

During the final days of deployment, the Mad Foxes took pride flying with Rear Adm. Stanley Bozin on his last operational P-3C flight prior to his transition back to the United States and duty in the operational Navy. The squadron also made history in May with a first-ever P-3C visit to Ghana, Africa accompanied by Capt. Bob Lally, commander, Task Force Six Seven. While in Ghana, the Mad Foxes met with U.S. Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates who received a P-3 tour and met with VP-5's Lt. Michael Mosi, who spent much of his life in Ghana.

In the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), squad-ron members executed missions in direct support of Commander, Fifth Fleet and Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Additionally, the squadron's aircrews had the honor of supporting the historic free elections in Iraq.

In United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the forward operating location (FOL) team in El Salvador intercepted over 32 metric tons of illegal narcotics destined for North America. For AW1 Todd Barrett, who spent two months in El Salvador, ''The missions where lengthy at times, but it really paid off when you discover a go-fast (narcotic boat) and know that you are doing your part in stopping drugs from reaching our borders.''

Five-year-old Logan and 4-year-old Carolyn shyly greet their dad, AT1(AW) Edward Hopper at the tarmac last Thursday afternoon. "I'm happy my dad is home, we can now go swimming and play with him," said Logan. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet

Throughout the deployment, the FOL detachment team comprised crews and aircraft from VP-5, VP Reserve squadrons and Sea Operational Detachment (SEAOPDET) support personnel from NAS Jacksonville. VP-5 aircraft and maintenance personnel sustained a stunning 96 percent in-theater aircraft mission capable rate over six months. Cmdr. Bill Johns, VP-5 commanding officer, stated, ''I'm obviously biased, but VP-5 is blessed with simply the finest Maintenance Department on the planet.'' Combined with the on-station success from nine of 12 Mad Fox aircrews who spent time flying missions out of the FOL, the results spurred the ''best deployment ever'' accolades from Capt. Martin Smith, chief of staff, SOUTHCOM.

Just days prior to the end of deployment, VP-5 executed a short-notice, four-day Hurricane (Adrian) evacuation and return plan, safely repositioning aircraft and personnel out of the path of nature's fury, then rapidly redeployed in time to continue theater operations without operational impact.

VP-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bill Johns praises and thanks the Sailors, family and friends upon arriving back from a six-month deployment. Photo by Miriam S. Gallet

For many, this deployment marked professional and personal milestones as 61 squadron members earned their enlisted air warfare specialist pin, 23 first class petty officers earned board eligibility for chief, and 32 personnel earned advancement from the March exam cycle. For AOCS Andrew McDonald, this was his 17th and, most likely, his last deployment out of 26 dedicated years in the military. McDonald stated, ''I really enjoyed flying the missions, seeing the sights and working with all the tremendous talent in the squadron, not to mention the traditional camaraderie between the officers and chiefs.''

VP-5 began deployment in December under the leadership of VP-5's 54th Commanding Officer Cmdr. Sean Cannon, witnessed a change of command in April, then ended deployment eclipsing 26 years of more than 148,000 mishap-free flight hours. ''It's always a team effort and we have a great team.'' stated Johns.

''The deployment success this squadron enjoys is due in large part to the steady leadership of the commanding officer who took VP-5 on deployment, Cmdr. Sean Cannon. ''Additionally, our families, friends and loved ones played a crucial role in weathering increased challenges at home due to our absence. Their unfailing support was a source of strength that allowed us to stay focused and execute missions. They deserve our gratitude, admiration and respect.''

For the last six months, the Mad Foxes have honorably served our country from the leading edge of the global war on terror, furthering the cause of freedom, making a lasting difference and passing the deployment torch to the ''Red Lancers'' of VP-10.