History
The PV-2 went through several changes and modification and was designated as P2V-2/3/4 during the era of 1946-1955. The squadron received the first P2V-5 Neptune in early 1955. The P2V-5 went through further and continuing changes and upgrades (P2V5FS) and left the squadron in the spring and summer of 1964 as the SP-2E Neptune.
On 30 July 1964 the squadron received the first P-3A Orion under the command of CO CDR. Vought. The P-3 went through several changes and modifications, P-3A DIFAR, P-3B, P-3C, P-3C UII.5 and P-3C UIIIR. The Orion served the squadron for 48 years. After returning from deployment, in 2012 CO CDR. Boron “turned in the Orion” and the squadron began training for the current P-8A Poseidon.
On 11 July 2012 @ 0800 all aircrew personnel reported for the “P-8 Welcome Aboard” at the VP-30 Auditorium. Under the Leadership of Commanding Officer CDR Molly Boron, and Executive Officer CDR William Pennington, a new chapter in our squadron aircraft history began.
The P2 served our squadron from the early 1950’s through 1964 and the P3 from 1964 through mid 2012. There were multiple versions of each over that time span. Our active membership covers from 1953 to present so our group experienced different versions of essentially the same aircraft. We seek all the information we can gather. We encourage your accurate input.
Please inform us of any incorrect and missing information. We have researched what we believe to be creditable sources, some from our own pilots and aircrewman. You can click on the following link to view the aircraft. P2V-5