VP-45 returns home

The VP-45 "Pelicans" began their tri-site deployment in May. Throughout the deployment, the squadron maintained six crews and approximately 100 personnel in Sigonella, Italy, four crews and 100 personnel in Comalapa, El Salvador and two crews and 50 personnel at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. Operations from these sites supported counter-drug operations as well as the global war on terrorism. From hunting down and intercepting shipments of illegal narcotics to supporting coalition troops engaged in combat operations, the Pelicans carried out their tasks with extreme proficiency, accuracy, and professionalism.

During the deployment, VP-45 flew more than 4,900 mishap-free flight hours across four continents. In El Salvador, the Pelicans were directly involved in seizing over 55 metric tons of illegal narcotics with a street value of over $2 billion. Highlights of these operations included the seizure of a self-propelled semi-submersible which was featured on several national media outlets.

Jonathan Baiza jumps in the inflatable bouncer that was set up for the children who awaited their family member's return Dec. 4. He was waiting for his stepdad, AW2 Jonathan Castano from VP-45 to come home.

In Africa, squadron personnel flew missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing valuable intelligence and direct support to coalition forces on the ground. They also performed a critical role in monitoring and deterring piracy along the African coast.

In Sigonella, VP-45 operations focused on traditional maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions. VP-45 crews constantly monitored the shipping traffic in the Mediterranean Sea in support of NATO Operation Active Endeavor and numerous overland missions were flown in the Balkans.

While on deployment, the Pelicans had the opportunity to participate in detachments to 15 countries, providing humanitarian support, establishing foreign relations and refining their joint combat capabilities. Among the most notable of these detachments was Exercise Indunduma flown from Cape Town, South Africa. While in South Africa, squadron personnel flew in support of Task Group 60.5, which is tasked with maintaining the maritime picture along the Indian Ocean coastline of Africa. These operations focused on general military training with the South African Air Force and Navy in order to improve interoperability while maintaining stability in the region and advancing multinational interests in South and East Africa.

Navy family member Amanda Hartley offered face painting for the children who awaited their family member's return Dec. 4. Here, she paints the face of her little brother, Owen, as they waited for their father, AT2 Chad Hartley's plane to arrive.

The numerous missions, detachments and mishap-free hours would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of a truly exceptional maintenance team. VP-45 was the first squadron to fully deploy under the CMO structure. This concept, which was implemented in October 2006, was designed to improve maintenance services for the P-3 community. Working together, VP-45 and CMO-11 have implemented this concept flawlessly across three

VP-45 returns homedeployment sites. While on deployment with VP-45, the CMO personnel have maintained the highest level of aircraft availability for mission completion in the harshest of conditions.

The last six months were truly an adventure for the men and women of VP-45 and CMO-11, providing them with unique opportunities to see the world and interact with different cultures. Many Sailors took advantage of the squadron's deployment to visit cities throughout Europe, while others were able to take a jungle-canopy tour in the Kakum National Rainforest during a detachment to Accra, Ghana. "This deployment has shown me first-hand, the role we perform in the defense of our country and I am honored at having the privilege to serve," remarked IT3 Miguel Bonilla Roman, reflecting on his first deployment.

AZ2 Jamie Waycaster from VP-45 hugs Abigail Batson after returning home from a six month deployment.

VP-45 was relieved in Sigonella by surge crews from NAS Brunswick and NAS Jacksonville, led by VP-5. In El Salvador, they were relieved by crews from MCAS Kanehoe Bay, Hawaii and NAS Whidbey Island, Wash. led by VP-9.

A VP-45 Sailor kisses his wife after returning home.