In 1966, the VP-4 began transitioning from the SP-2H Neptune to the P-3A Orion. Following completion of the transition, VP-4 became the first Hawaii-based squadron to deploy P-3As to NAS Adak, Alaska in 1969. In 1972, VP-4 was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation for its efforts during Operations Market Time and Yankee Team. During the 1975 deployment to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines VP-4 participated in the Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of South Vietnam and the Mayaguez recovery operation, and in 1976 saw detachment operations to NAS Agana, Guam during which the squadron participated in Australia's Kangaroo II fleet exercise.