VP-29 (1946–1955) explained
VP-29 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Patrol Squadron 911 (VP-911) on 6 July 1946, redesignated Medium Patrol Squadron (Landplane) 61 (VP-ML-61) on 15 November 1946, redesignated Patrol Squadron 812 (VP-812) in February 1950, redesignated Patrol Squadron 29 (VP-29) on 27 August 1952 and disestablished on 1 November 1955. It was the second squadron to be designated VP-29, the first VP-29 was disestablished on 18 January 1950.[1]
Operational history
- 6 July 1946: VP-911 was established at NAS Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a reserve training squadron, flying PV-2 Harpoons and PBY-5A/6A Catalinas. The squadron aircraft allowance was nine aircraft, but seldom exceeded more than seven operational aircraft.
- 20 July 1950: The squadron was called to active duty along with 13 other Reserve squadrons as a result of the outbreak of the Korean War on 25 June 1950. The squadron remained at NAS Minneapolis until orders were received to transfer to a new home port at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.
- 31 July – October 1950: VP-812 settled into its new home port at NAS Whidbey Island and began training for transition to the new P2V-2 Neptune patrol bomber. By October 1950 the squadron had received nine new aircraft from the factory.
- 8 November 1950: VP-812 deployed on its first operational assignment since its recall to active duty, arriving at NAS Kodiak, Alaska, with nine P2V-2s.
- 27 September 1952: The squadron deployed to NAS Atsugi, Japan, providing patrol sector coverage in the Sea of Japan and along the coasts of Korea in support of UN forces.
- January – April 1953: The squadron was classified under "Patrol Squadrons, Mining," reflecting a specialty practiced by only three other Pacific Fleet squadrons (VPs 4, 9 and 19).
- 5 April 1953: The squadron returned to NAS Whidbey Island after completing over 500 combat missions in Korea during a six-month deployment, averaging 40 missions per crew, 500 hours per crewman.
- 1 November 1955: VP-29 was disestablished at NAS Whidbey Island, with assets and personnel utilized to form Heavy Attack Squadron 2 (VAH-2).[1]
Aircraft assignments
The squadron was assigned the following aircraft, effective on the dates shown:[1]
- PV-2 - July 1946
- PBY-5A/6A July 1946
- P2V-2 - October 1950
- P2V-5 - June 1951
- P2V-6 - September 1952
- P2V-7 - May 1955
Home port assignments
The squadron was assigned to these home ports, effective on the dates shown:[1]
See also
Notes and References
- Book: Roberts, Michael D.. Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons, Volume 2, Chapter 3 Patrol Squadron (VP) Histories (2nd VP-29 to 1st VP-40). Naval Historical Center, Department of the Navy. 2000. Washington, D.C.. 198–9. 13 June 2016.
