VP-4 Completes Demanding Home Cycle, Looks to the Future

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Juan Sua | 190604-N-CR843-0116 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (June 04, 2019) The “Skinny Dragons” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 pose for a group photo after earning the Battle Effectiveness Award (Battle “E”) during an awards ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island. Capt. Kevin Long, left, commander of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10, presented VP-4 with the Battle “E” recognizing the squadrons’ superior performance and command readiness throughout a year-long evaluation. VP-4 is currently conducting its fleet readiness training plan in preparation for their upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan S. Sua/Released)  

OAK HARBOR, WA, UNITED STATES

10.14.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Juan Sua 

Patrol Squadron 4

OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Patrol Squadron (VP) 4 have successfully completed their Fleet Readiness Training Plan (FRTP) in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the U.S. 4th and 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
During the squadron’s 12-month home cycle, VP-4’s maintenance team conducted 55,233 total man-hours of maintenance, directly resulting in a 98 percent mission completion rate. Operationally, the squadron executed 5,195 flight hours in the local region as well as in the U.S. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. Since returning home from their previous deployment, the Skinny Dragons participated in exercises and operations spanning the globe including: the USS Boxer Composite Training Unit Exercise, Fleet Battle Problem 30, JOINT WARRIOR, PACIFIC BLITZ, CABLE CAR, BALTOPS, UNITAS, TEAMWORK SOUTH, and Submarine Commander’s Course 19-1.
“VP-4 confronted the most taxing P-8 Fleet Readiness Training Plan that I’ve witnessed and passed with flying colors,” said Cmdr. John Harkins, Executive Officer of VP-4. “Mobilizing in less than 96 hours to support emergent SECDEF tasking, balancing the administrative burden of crews detached to five Fleets simultaneously, performing well above standards in the Aviation Maintenance Inspection; all are clear examples of the professionalism and proficiency that this team takes pride in.  I’m humbled daily by the determination and drive demonstrated by our Sailors.  I can’t wait to show off what the Skinny Dragon team is capable of achieving on deployment.”
VP-4’s efforts and superior performance in the past year were recognized for two significant awards, the Navy Battle Effectiveness or Battle ‘E’ and the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell award.
The Battle 'E' is awarded annually to ships and units that display the maximum condition of readiness in their group, and for their capability to perform their wartime responsibilities. Squadrons are graded in areas such as operational efficiency, readiness achievements, aircraft material readiness, training, schedule and cost performance.
The Captain Arnold Jay Isbell award recognizes the squadron throughout the fleet that best demonstrates outstanding performance in the areas of anti-submarine warfare. This award is a testament to the achievements the squadron has accomplished and its ability to maintain peak operational readiness.
“Without a doubt the Skinny Dragons are ready to move forward and perform flawlessly on station,” said Capt. Kevin Long, Commander Patrol Reconnaissance Wing Ten. “VP-4 is a highly functioning organization that is ready to assume the watch.”

• Date Taken: 10.14.2019
• Date Posted: 10.14.2019 08:10
• Story ID: 347612
• Location: OAK HARBOR, WA, US