| |
NARTOPIX July 1978
VFP-206
VFP-306
MARTD VR-52
VP68
VFP-206 ON THE USS JFK
VFP-206 PERFORMS A FIRST AND SECOND TO NONE!
The "Hawkeye" (ORE)
operational readiness evaluation was conducted at sea embarked aboard
the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) as an integral part of Air wing one
(CVW-1) during a master joint service exercise "Solid Shield 78" over a
period of ten full operating days. Actually VFP-206 is affiliated with
Reserve Air wing 20 (CVWR20) which was deploying to Fallon, Nevada in
early June for an ORE, however, when circumstances prevented the
regular navies light photographic reconnaissance squadron of CVW 1 from
deploying for "Solid Shield", the "Hawk eyes", commanded by CDR. "Bud"
Flagg., volunteered to satisfy the commitment.
The squadron deployed
on one week's notice with all officers and 34 of the 49 enlisted
personnel assigned. Never before has a reserve squadron deployed with
an active, operational air wing.
The "Hawk eyes" have
never considered themselves as a "Weekend Warrior" operation, according
to the commanding officer. Indeed, the "Solid Shield" evolution
required that the squadron be at sea for three weeks. The KENNEDY
departed Norfolk, VA. On 7 May and returned port on 26 May. The
squadron achieved 200% of all missions tasked to be flown with 96%
imagery coverage of requested targets. The maintenance department
ensured excellence availability of the three 20-plus year old RF-8G's
even under intense and rigorous sustained flight operations.
"Solid Shield" is an
exercise involving the Navy, Marine Corps, Army And Air Force. The
operation area, called "Joint Zone Atlantis", covers approximately
100,000 square miles, or one third of the Eastern Seaboard. The
exercise is the U.S. forces equivalent to NATO's "Teamwork 76" concept.
The scope of operations is encompassing, including paratroop drops,
amphibious landings, helicopter assaults, attack/fighter/reconnaissance
missions and the Seagoing Mobile Strike Force for which the KENNEDY
served as a nucleus.
For the mission on the
JFK, four of the squadron's aviators were SARS, whose flying commitment
are similar to active duty pilots. CDR. Flagg, the Skipper, is a SAR.
In his civilian life, he flies of the American Airlines. The squadron
also includes government employees, college students, an electrical
contractor.... To name a few of the civilian occupations.
The "Hawk eyes " flew
five or six sorties per day during "Solid Shield". What was their
mission ? It can vary from pre-strike reconnaissance, which involves
collecting imagery before a mission, and also post-strike
reconnaissance, to low-level, high -speed combat photo missions. During
"Solid Shield" the assets were heavily involved in beach
reconnaissance, (Onslow Beach, where the amphibious assault was taking
place).
There is something
about the RF-8G aircraft which separates it from the other aircraft one
is accustomed to seeing on the flight deck. I has been around for
aehile. "Venerable" is a term which attaches itself well to the F-8.
VFP-206's aircraft range in age from 20 to 25 years. This creates
maintenance challenge, a challenge which the Hawk eyes maintenence
crew, headed by ADCS Gary Parsons, meet superbly. Said Parsons, "It
requires a lot of work to keep her flying... tender loving care to keep
the hummer in the air". The T.L.C. is there.
Kudos were extended for
a job well done by the embarked staff of Carrier Group Six, Moreover,
these accolades were echoed by GAG-20, CDR. "Mel" Seidel, who approved
VFP-206's assignment to the KENNEDY air wing. "Your aircraft
operational readiness and imagery coverage supposer the "Second to
None" reputation of the "Hawk Eyes".
The embarked period was
a demanding evolution which you responded to on very short notice; your
performance reinforces the viability of the RESFORON concept. My
personal congratulations for a "Sierra Hotel" job. The Success of the
cruise is summarized aptly in a message received from Chief of Naval
Reserves. "I note with great pleasure the outstanding efforts of the
officers and men of the VFP-206 during your recent ORE. It is only
though extreme dedication by every man that operational commitments can
be met and executed so professionally. Once again your squadron has
proven without doubt the readiness and expertise of the Naval Reserve
Forces. Well done. Vice Admiral Pierre M. Char bonnet".
Two weeks after
returning from the JFK, the "Hawk Eyes" again proved themselves at the
CVWR-20 ORE, at Naval Air Station, Fallon, Nevada.
Submitted
by ADCS Gary Parsons. |
|
