UNCI.  ASS  If  Iff; 
SECTION  ONE 
Command  Overview  (U) 
1.   (U)   HISTORICAL  OVERVIEW 
Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  ONE  had  its  origin  at  the  Naval  Station, 
Sangley  Point,  Philippines  during  October  1951.  At  that  time  a  special  project 
division  of  the  Air  Operations  Department  was  formed  to  meet  the  changing  needs 
of  the  Fleet.  This  division  was  organized  as  an  Electronic  Counter-measures  Group 
..in  the  Pacific  Fleet,  and  on  12  May  1953,  the  division  was  assigned  to  Airborne 
Early  Warning  Squadron  ONE  as  detachment  "ABLE".  The  detachment  was  reorganized 
in  June  1955  and  designated  Electronics  Counter-measures  Squadron  ONE.  The 
squadron  moved  to  MCAF  Iwakuni,  Japan  in  October  1955  and  then  to  NAS  Atsugi , 
Japan  in  July  1960  where  it  received  its  present  name,  Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance 
Squadron  ONE.  During  its  early  years,  the  squadron  made  extensive  use  of  the 
P4M-1Q  and  the  A3D-1Q.  However,  due  to  an  increase  in  size  and  tasking,  the  air- 
craft inventory  would  expand  to  include  the  EC-121  "Super  Constellation",  the 
follow-on  EA-3B  "Skywarrior"  aircraft,  and  the  EP-3B  and  EP-3E  "ORION"  aircraft. 
In  June  1971,  VQ-1  underwent  its  biggest  change  when  it  moved  from  Japan  to 
Guam.  In  addition  to  its  broad  mission  of  Electronic  Reconnaissance,  the 
missions  of  weather  reconnaissance  and  high  altitude  photography  were  added  with 
the  absorption  of  Airborne  Early  Warning  Squadron  ONE  (VW-1)  and  Heavy  Photo- 
graphic Squadron  SIXTY-ONE  (VAP-61). 
For  a  brief  time  the  squadron  shouldered  the  mission  of  Typhoon  and  Weather 
Reconnaissance  from  the  International  Date-line  to  the  Malay  Peninsula.  The 
weather  mission  was  discontinued  at  the  end  of  the  L971  typhoon  season,  but  the 
squadron  retained  the  Photographic  Reconnaissance  capabilities,  boasting  ad- 
vanced worldwide  photographic  and  cartographic  mapping  capabilities  until  the 
RA-3B*s  retirement  in  July  1974.  Also  retiring  from  the  squadron's  inventory  of 
aircraft  in  the  summer  of  1974,  was  the  EC-121M  "Super  Constellation".  Aircraft 
presently  used  within  the  squadron  include  the  EA-3B  Douclas  built  "Skywarrior" 
aircraft,  and  the  EP-3B  and  EP-3E  Lockheed  built  HOrion""aircraft. 
The  primary  mission  of  VQ-1,  is  to  conduct  electronic  reconnaissance  missions 
in  support  of  fleet  battle  group  operations.  To  perform  its  mission,  Fleet 
Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  ONE  operates  throughout  the  Western  Pacific  and 
has  become  known  Pacific-wide  as  the  "World  Watchers". 
2.   (U)  COMMAND 
Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  ONE,  based  at  the  Naval  Air  Station,  Agana, 
Guam,  was  under  the  command  of  Captain  J  D  MEYER,  U.S.  Navy,  throughout  all  of 
calender  year  1980. 
page  1-1  UNCLASSIFIED
■—)  I 
HISTORY  OF 
FLI2T  AIR  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON  ONE 
The  history  of  the   squadron  started  in  October  1951  &e  a  Special  Projects 
Division  of  the  Air  Operations  Department  at  the  Naval  Station,   Sangley  Point, 
Philippine  Islands  with  LCDR  J.  T.   DOUGLAS  as  the  Officer-in-Charge.     The 
Division  was  organized  as  a  Special  Electronic  Search  Program  with  four  P4M-1Q 
aircraft  with  a  primary  mission  of  airborne  electronic  counter-measures  in  the 
Pacific  Fleet*     Electronic   counter-measure  operations  were  assigned  to  "the 
Naval  Communications  Unit  38  CHARLIE  and  reported  to  the  Special  Projects 
Division  Officer  to  perform  their  airborne  duties* 
In  December  1952,   LCDR  A,  W,   SWEETEN  took  charge  of  the  Division  as  the 
Officer*.in-Charge.     On  13  May  1953*   the  Division  **s  assigned  to  Airborne 
Early  Warning  Squadron  ONE  as  Detachment  "ABLE", 
In  June   1954  #   the  squadron  was  redesignated  VW-3,   Detachment   MABLEH,  with 
a  crew  of  22  officers  and  110  enlisted  men*     LCDR  A,  W.  SWEETEN  remained  the 
Officer-in-Charge  until  he  was  relieved  by  LCDR  E.   R.   BALL  in  June  1955 
at  which  time  the  detachment  was  reorganised  and  redesignated  Electronic 
Countenaeasures  Squadron  ONE  (VQ*l)  with  LCDR  E.  R«  HALL  as  the  Commanding 
Officer*     In  June   1955  two  additional  P4M«s  were  assigned  bringing  the  total 
to  six* 
After  becoming  an  independent  unit  and  a  full  fledged  ocnmisslaned  squadror 
the  men  received  further  good  news  in  September  1955  when  they  were  informed 
that  their  squadron  would  be  leaving  the  hot,  rainy*,  humid  climate  of  the 
Philippines  and  would  be  moving  to  Iwakuni,  Japan, 
By  October  1955f  the  movement  of  the  squadron  from  the  Philippines  to 
Iwaknni*  Japan  had  been  completed*     The  crew  quickly  adapted  themselves  to 
N>
/ 
\ 
At 
/ 
'the  local  environment  and  made  many  friends  with  the  Japanese  Nationals  whom 
they  found   to  be  very  friendly.      After  being  informed  that  the   squadron  would 
be  permanently  based  at  Iwakunir   many  of  the  married  men  brought  their  wives 
from  the  states  to  Japan,   and  the  morale  of  the  men  was  greatly  improved* 
The  land  on  which  the  buildings  and  air  strip  of  Marine  Corps  Air  Facility 
Iwakuni  are  now  located  was  at  one  time  tidal  marsh  land  covered  with  water 
most  of  the  days  of  the  year  and  a  haven  for  mosquitoes  and  wild  life.     The 
Emperor  cade  a  gift  of  the  waste  land  to  one  of  his  war  lords,-  and  the  war 
lord  erected  the  necessary  preventative  measures  to  protect  the  land  from 
the  sea. 
The  land  wa3  then  used  as  farming  area  and  ramained  farming  country  until 
the  Japanese  Government  established  an  air  base  on  these  farmer  waste  lands. 
From  this  small  base  located  on  the  southern  end  of  the  island  of  Honshu,   the 
Japanese  established  a  training  base  for  fighter  planes,   and  was  utilized  to 
+r*Hn  pilots  to  fly  the  famous  "ZERO".     After  the  Japanese  pilots  received 
their  basic  training  at  Iwakuni,   they  were  sent  to  advanced  schools  located 
in  the  Totyo  Area. 
Iwakuni  is  situated  approximately  thirty  miles  south  of  the   cith  of 
Hiroshima,  where  the  world's  first  atom  bomb  was  dropped  by  the  United  States 
during  World  War  II.  Jurisdiction  of  Iwakuni  Air  Base  has  changed  hands 
many  times  since  the  land  yas  reclaimed  from  the  sea  by  the  Japanese  War  Lord. 
After  the  end  of  World  War  II,  the  base  was  first  occupied  by  the  British  and 
Australians!  then  in  1951  the  Korean  War  started^  and  Iwakuni  was  a  bee  hive  of 
operations  and  activity  by  several  different  nations  of  the  free  world*  The 
British  and  Australians  relinquished  control  of  the  base  to  the  U.S.  Air  Force, 
and  the  tenure  of  the  base  was  received  by  the  U.S.  Navy  from  the  Air  Faroe 
an  1  October  1954  sjad  remained  under  the  administration  of  the  Navy  until
January  195G  when   the  bnoc  was  designated  the   U.S.   Knrinc-   Corps  Air  Facility, 
[wokuni. 
The-  weather  at  Iwakuni  ie  mild  and  is  very  similar  to  the  weather  of  the 
San  Francisco     areaj    consequently,  this  base  affords  excellent   flying  conditions 
for  aircraft  and  good  working  weather  for  the  personnel*     The  weather  is   so  mild 
that  mo8*t  of  the  squadron  personnel  use  motorcycles  or  bicycles  for  their  personal 
transportation  during  the  majority  of  the  year* 
CDR  William  H#  HUFF  reported  to  the  squadron  in  June   1956  and  became  the 
new  Commanding  Officer,    relieving  LCDR  E.   R.   HALL.     By  this  time  the  squadron  was 
fully  organized,   and  the  officers  and  men  took  additional  pride  in  their  organ- 
ization*    The  personnel  complement  of  the   squadron  had  been  increased  to  28 
Officers  and  220  enlisted  men*     During  June  of  I956  a  squadron  record  for  flight 
hours  was  set,   as  289-  hours  were  logged,    including  209  operational  and  30 
training*     On  20  July  1956  LCDS  F.  E.  STRUTHEES  brought  in  the   1000th  P4&  landing 
since  the  squadron  was  commissioned*     The  squadron  was  now  definitely  standing 
on  it's  own  feet  and  was  a  self-supporting  unit  of  operation* 
During  the  month  of  July  1956  LT  J,  EDIXION  experienced  one  of  the  most 
unusual  accidents  in  modern  aviation  history  while  he  was  flying  a  P4M«  One 
of  the  reciprocating  engines  fell  completely  off,   sending  the  plane  into  a 
\ 
flat  spin,  but  by  displaying  unusual  skill,  LT  EDIXION  made  a  recovery  at  J 000 
fe'et  with  the  aid  of  the  auxiliary  jet  engines,   the  plane  was  able  to  limp  100 
mile^  into  Naha  Air  Force  Base  at  Okonawa*  The  only  person  injured  during  the 
freak  accident  was  I/T  EDIXION,  and  he  received  a  sprained  ankle  as  he  stepped 
from  the  airoraft  after  landing  it  safely  on  the  air  strip* 
Cai  the  darker  side  of  lifet  the  squadron  suffered  a  serious  catastrophe 
during  the  month  of  August  I956  with  the  loss  of  one  P4M  and  16  men*  This  was 
caused  by  hostile  and  aggressive  gun  fire  in  the  vicinity  of  Taiwan  Straits.
,~*n  tv.1T- 
iYX   Oc^-—       ^l° 
(a  a  result  of  this   tragedy,    all  squadron  personnel  exhibited  an  intensified 
"can  do"  viewpoint   toward  their  individual  and  collective  squadron  jobs,   making 
for  an  effioient,    cooperative  and  smooth  running  organization  where  all  unite 
worked  together  as  one   for  the  common  good  and  functioned  as  a  closely  knit 
family. 
CDR  Harvey  LAHSON  reported  to  the   squadron  during  the  month  of  August  1956 
as  the  new  Commanding  Officer,      Shortly  after  CDR  IARSON's  arrival,  a  new  era 
of  aviation  was  born  and  introduced  to   Iwakuni,  namely,   the  arrival  of  two 
A3D-1Q  Skywarriors,     The  AJD1  s  arrived  in  Iwakuni  on  3  November  195&*  and  this 
was  a  big  day  for  the  men  of  the  squadron.     All  hands  turned  out  to  see  the 
planes  land  on  the  air  strip,   and  as  the  men  observed  and  admired  the  aircraft 
taxi  down  the  runway  .to  the  operations  tower,     they  felt  that  they  had  just 
received  a  gift  from  heaven*     The  pilots  put  on  a  special  show  for  the  large 
crowd  that  gethered  to  see  the  planes  land  by  deploying  a  drogue  chute  to 
slow  down  the  normal  touchdown  speed  of  the  planes.     Tbi8  was  a  vexy  impressive 
sight  to  the  men  of  Iwakunit  and  VQ-1  Personnel  were  gratified  that  they  were 
a  part  of  the  squadron  which  had  the  privilege  to  fly  such  splendid  aircraft « 
With  the  arrival  of  the  A^D's,   the  crew  had  a  tendency  to  visualize  the 
squadron's  P4Mfs  as  relics  of  the  past  days  o£  infant  aviation, 
TThile  it  is  true  that  the  P4M-1Q  is  relatively  slow  when  compared  with 
the  modern-day  jets,   it  still  was  considered  the  faithful  work  horse  for  the 
souadroru     The  P4M-1Q,  is  a  long  range  patrol  and  reconnaissance  aircraft  that 
weighs  approximately  90,000  pounds  and  is  powered  by  two  reciprocating  engines 
and  two  turbojete  rated  at  4500  pounds  thrust  each.     The  jets  are  normally  used 
during  takeoff ,   landings  and  high-speed  operations^  with  the  reciprocating  engines 
powering  the  aircraft  during  normal  cruise  operations.     The  P4M-IQ  is  a  powerful
„<*  k&  '^""'  .   ^  octoo^   --  _  _     r^fc.*- 
'lane  that  io   capable  of  carrying  a  16  nan  crew  plus  a  10,000  pound  pay  load* 
The  manufacturer  of   the  mercator  aircraft  built  about   twenty  planes  and  sold 
then  to  the  Navy  in  1950»   at  which  time  the  aircraft  were  considered  to  be 
the  most  modern  patrol  and  reconnaissance  planes  in  aviation  history*     Since 
their  delivery  to  the  Navy,    the  P4M,s  had  performed  their  assigned  duties  in 
a  faithful  manner,   however,   and  for  this   reason,   many  of  the  pilots  had  a 
sentimental  fueling  toward  the  P4M's,   not  with  standing  the  fact  that  the 
Mercatcrs  were  to  be  eventually  replaced  by  more  advanced  and  nodern  aircraft* 
On  27  November  1957  CDR  N.   P,  BYRD,   Jr.,   relieved  CDR  LARSON  as  the  new 
squadron  Commanding  Officer.      With  the  new  Commanding  Officer  in  charge,    the 
squadron  continued m to  perform  it's  assigned  mission  of  electronic  countermeasures 
in  support  of  the  Seventh  Fleet.     Additionally,  daily  training  was  held  far 
officer  and  enlisted  personnel;     they  were  taught  to  fly  and  maintain  the  three 
different  types  of  aircraft  used  by  the  squadron  at  that  time,  nsaely*,  A^D-lQ's, 
P4M-lQ,s,   and  TV-2fs.     Training  was  also  conducted  for  the   squadron's  personnel 
to  qualify  them  to  better  support  and  assist  the  fleet  in  such   other  duties  as 
may  have  been  assigned*     The   command  still  places  strong  emphasis  on  qualifying 
the  flight  crews  as  Combat  Air  Crewmen* 
CDR  R«   C.   JAMES  become  the  new  skipper  on  JO  November  1958*     Tragedy  began 
to  strike  with  the  crash  of  one  of  the   squadron's  AJD-lQ's  piloted  by  LCDR  DECKER 
in  the  inland  sea  near  Iwakuni  on  28  May  1959*     0&  sixteen  ^"une  1959  &  P4&-1Q  w&s 
attacked  in  the  sea  of  Japan  near  Wonsan.  North  Korea,   and  with  the  tail  gunner 
seriously  wounded  and  two  engines  and  the  rudders  ehot  away,  was  barely  able  to 
make  it  to  a  safe  landing  at  Miho  Air  Base*     More  bad  luck  followed  in  November 
1959t  when  the  squadron1  s  first  A3D-*2Q  was  lost  near  Wake  Island  during  transpac* 
No  trace  was  found  of  the  four  crewmembers.     Lady  Luok  again  frowned  our  way 
in  December  1959#  when  a  severe  windstorm  struck  our  detachment  at  Shemyar  Alaska, 
causing  heavy  damage  to  our  hangar^  and  inflicting  strike  damage  to  a  P2V  parked 
'    --•  * 
  
S
.  .a   in  °c    vAon, 
On  20  October  1?59,    CDK  \v«   R.    I&OPKE  took  the   reins. 
Tho   official   n.-iDe   of  tho   aqu.-d.-ou  wQe   changed  to   ILo'.T  AIi(  l^CONK/.ISS^IICE 
i^uiil>I<OJI  QIE   on  1  January  I960.     New  personnel  begar    •ooj/i.ryy  in  tc  man  and 
maintain  the  new  aircraft,   soon  to  arrive,   and  both  o'«.d   i^.lce  and  newcomers 
were  quickly  hustled  away  to  schools  to  obtain  the  skills  tnat  would  be 
needed  for  their  part  in  the  squadron's  facelifting     The  first  F7F-8T 
arrived  in  Iwakuni  12  February  1960j   the  first  WV-2Q  on  21  February  1$)60;   and 
then  the  first  A3D-2Q  on  5  March  I960. 
Preparations  wore  being  made  for  tho  squadron  to  move  to  Atsugi  S&val  Air 
Station,   una.  both  men  and  wives  were  locking  forward  to  the  charga  of  scenery  and 
-ibundLnce  of  well  stocked  PX's.     The  anticipation  becime  a  reality  in  June  I960, 
with  -che  move  completed  and  normal  operations  commencing  at   Ateugi  oa  1  July 
I960.      In  July  I960  the  last  P4M-IQ  was  retired  with  the  A3D-2Q  3  and  the 
WV-2Q«s  becoming  the  faithful  work  horses  for  the  squadron* 
On  25  January  1961  CPR  T.  E.  UOOiiE  took  over  as  the   Commanding  Officer. 
Cne  week  before  tho  change  of  command  in  January  I96I.  we  lost  an  A3D-2Q  on 
ths  runway  at  Atsugi*     LT  H.  P.   SiLE  was  having  his  aircraft  commanders  check 
and  he   spun  in  after  a  wave-off.     The  cause  of  the  accident  was*  determined  » 
The  spirit  of  the  squadron  has  continuously  soared  upward  and  the  squadron 
is  nor  known  as  "The  Navy's  Number  One  Squadron",     The  morale  of  the  squadron  is 
very  hirfi  and  is  supported  by  outstanding  personnel,   squadron  achievements,   milita? 
bearing,  and  last  but  not  least ^  squadron  pride  which  consists  of  a  "uan  do" 
attivude  toward  all  problems  which  may  confront   che  squadron* 
In  TIarcH  1961  the  squadron  set  a  new  CLi^ht  record.     Wii,h  9  A3D-2Q»a 
4  WV-20J8J  an^.  one  F9F-8Tf  we  flew  720  hours  ~  353  ir  A3D-20Jef  263  in  WV-2Q's 
and  102  in  F9F-8T.     We  now  have  four  squadron  parties  a  year  instead  of  ?  with 
the  officers  weiring  red  coats  and  the   chiefs  wearing  yellow  coats.     The  squadron
*-ai  ^u;" 
  ~"\  ev 
poi^' 
/    has  almost  doubled  it's  personnel  to  75  officers  and  361  enlisted  men  since  1959. 
In  September  1961  the   squadron  with  Its  outstanding  athletic  record  won  the 
"Captain's  Cup"  for  the  first  time  on  their  first  try       The  "Savy'-e  ITumber  One 
Squadron"  continues  to  surge  ahead*. 
WILLIAM  L.  PARKS 
£TJB  . .  USSR'. 
Historical  Offioer 
/
VQ-1  HISTORY  FOR  1984 
SECTION  ONE  -  Cd-iMAND  OVERVIEW  (U) 
I.   (U)  Historical  Overview 
a.   (U)  Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  ONE  originated  at  the  Naval  Station, 
Sangley  Point,  RP  during  October  1951.  At  that  time,  a  special  project  division 
of  the  Air  Operations  Department  was  formed  to  meet  the  changing  needs  of  the 
Fleet.   This  division  was  organized  as  the  Electronic  Counterraeasures  Group  for 
the  Pacific  Fleet,  and  on  12  May  1953,  the  division  was  assigned  to  Airborne 
Early  Warning  Squadron  ONE  as  Detachment  "ABLE."  The  detachment  was  reorganized 
in  June  1955  and  reassigned  to  NAS  Iwakuni,  JA  with  the  new  designation  of 
Electronic  Countermeasures  Squadron  ONE.   During  the  early  years,  the  squadron 
made  extensive  use  of  the  P-4M  and  the  P-2  aircraft.   Because  of  tasking  require- 
ments, the  aircraft  inventory  was  later  expanded  to  include  the  EC-121M  "Super 
Constellation"  and  the  EA-33  "Skywarrior. "  The  first  of  two  EP-3B  aircraft  was 
delivered  to  VQ-1  in  1969.   Between  1964  and  1973,  VQ-1  flew  ESM  combat  support 
for  Task  Force  Seventh  Fleet  strikes  and  USAF  B-52  "Arc  Light"  and  "Rolling 
Thunder"  missions  during  the  Southeast  Asia  conflict.   Combat  support  missions 
were  flown  over  the  Gulf  of  Tonkin  and  the  Vietnam/Laotian  border.   VQ-1  EC-121M's, 
EP-3B's  and  EA-3B's  operated  from  Danang,  RVN  until  the  American  drawdown  from 
Danang  in  March  1973.  The  EA-3B  crews  began  operating  from  Gulf  of  Tonkin  CV's 
while  the  EP-3B  and  EC-121M's  staged  from  Cubi  Pt,  RP  until  the  end  of  the  con- 
flict. 
b.  (U)  In  June  1971,  VQ-1  underwent  its  biggest  change  when  it  moved  from 
Japan  to  Guam.   In  addition  to  the  squadron's  broad  mission  of  Electronic  Recon- 
naissance, the  missions  of  weather  reconnaissance  and  high  altitude  photography 
were  added  with  the  absorption  of  Airborne  Early  Warning  Squadron  ONE  (VW-1)  and 
Heavy  Photographic  Squadron  SIX  ONE  (VAP-61),  when  those  two  squadrons  were 
decommissioned. 
c.  (U)  For  a  brief  time,  the  squadron  shouldered  the  mission  of  Typhoon 
and  Weather  Reconnaissance  from  the  international  date-line  to  the  Malay  Peninsu- 
la. The  weather  mission  was  discontinued  at  the  end  of  the  1971  typhoon  season, 
but  the  squadron  retained  the  Photographic  Reconnaissance  mission  and  continued 
these  advance  worldwide  photographic  and  cartographic  mapping  capabilities  until 
the  RA-3B's  retirement  in  July  1974.  Also  retiring  from  the  squadron's  inventory  A 
of  aircraft  in  the  fall  of  1974,  was  the  EC-121M  "Super  Constellation,"  after 
delivery  of  four  EP-3E's  during  the  same  period.   Aircraft  employed  by  the  squad- 
ron during  1984  were  the  EA-3B  and  VA-3B  "Skywarrior,"  the  EP-3B,  EP-3E  and 
UP-3A  "Orion." 
d.  (U)  The  primary  mission  of  VQ-1  is  to  conduct  Electronic  Reconnaissance 
Missions  in  support  of  Fleet  Operations  in  order  to  obtain  information  and 
intelligence  on  areas  of  Naval  interest.  The  Squadron's  area  of  responsibility 
extends  from  the  West  Coast  of  the  U.S.  to  the  East  Coast  of  Africa,  an  assignment 
which  has  earned  the  squadron  the  nickname  "World-Watchers."
2.   (U)  Command 
a.   (U)  Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  ONE  based  at  Naval  Air  Station, 
Agana,  Guam  was  under  the  command  of  Commander  Ivan  E.  Hughes,  U.S.  Navy,  from 
1  January  1984  through  26  March  1984  and  Commander  John  T.  Mitchell,  U.S.  Navy, 
from  27  March  1984  to  31  December  1984.   Commander  Hughes'  tenure  as  Commanding 
Officer  marks  the  first  time  since  1966  that  the  billet  of  Commanding  Officer 
has  not  been  held  by  a  Captain.
£0n  1  September  1979,  Fleet  Air  Rcconna i  ;aance  Squadron  TWO  marked  the  begin- 
ning of  it's  25th  year   in  service  to  tv  Navy  and  the  nation.  Presiding 
over  the  celebrations  were  the  present  skipper  of  VQ-2,.  Captain  "Jack" 
"&YL0R  and  a  past  CO.,  Captain  H.  G.  HATCH  (USN  Ret.). 
The  history  of  VQ-2  dates  bad.  to  the  Summer  of  1955  when  "Det  Able"  of 
Airborne  Early  Warning  Squadron  TV'O  (v>'-2)  was  established  in  Port  Lyauteys, 
French  Morocco.  On  1  September  1  ?:"•:•.  "let  Able"  was  commissioned  Electronics 
Countermeasures  Squadron  TWO  [v.G'.KO'i   T!.'0).  In  November  1958,  the  squadron 
was  relocated  to  Rota,  Spain  -mid  on   1  .bnuary  1960  was  officially  designated 
"Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Sour-iron  TH". 
Jjie  squadron's  first  aircraft  were  the  P2V  and  P4M.  In  1956  the  squadron 
received  it's  first  A-3D-1Q  which  v-«s  Inter  to  receive  major  airframes 
changes  to  become  what  is  no-./  the  fA-?:-\  of  which  the  squadron  flies  six. 
In  1960  VQ-2  received  it's  fi.it  "\':'   "arning  Star",  EC-121M,  to  replace 
the  aging  P2  and  P4.  The  rer-l^ce-ient  f<  r  the  121  's  was  to  be  the  EP-3E 
Orion,  with  the  final  replacement  of  o-.«r  last  EC-121  being  in  the  Summer  of 
1974.  The  squadron's  present  inventory  consists  of  six  EA-3B  Skywarrlors, ' 
fix"  EP-3E  Orions,  and  one  P-3A  (for  logistics  and  pilot  training). 
From  the  original  compliment  of  2-1  of.icers  and  78  enlisted,  the  squadron 
has  grown  to  over  100  officers  and  sr°  unlisted  onboard.  VQ-2  has  seen  detach- 
ments as  far  flung  as  Danang,  Vietmr:,  rnd  Shiraz,  Iran.  Our  normal  "det" 
sites  include  Athens,  Greece,  SigoneVIn,  Sicily  and  Stuttgart,  Germany, 
not  to  mention  the  A-3's  aboard  SIXTH  FLEET  carriers  in  the  Mediterranean. 
Since  that  day  in  1955,  Fleet  Air  Reconnaissance  Squadron  TWO  has  continued 
to  provide  electronic  support  to  the  Tlcet  and  the  nation,  and  rest  assured 
that  VQ-2  shall  be  at  the  frontier  in  the  world  of  electronic  warfare  in 
the  future. 
Enclosure  (1)
Navy  Times  Squadron  In  The  Spotlight 
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During  the  Surfer  of  1955,  "DET  ABLE" 
of  W-2   (Airborne  Early  Warning  Squad- 
ron TWO  )  was  established  in  port 
Lyautey,  French  Morocco,  narking  the 
first  roots  of  what  was  to  become 
FAIRECOKROM  TWO  (VQ-2).  On  1  Septem- 
ber 1955,  "DET  ABLE"  was  conroissioned 
Electronics  Counter-measures  Squadron 
TWO  (ECMRON  TWO).  In  November  1958, 
the  squadron  was  relocated  in  Rota, 
Spain  and  on  1  January  1960  was  of- 
ficially designated  Fleet  Air  Recon- 
naissance Squadron  TWO.  In  October 
1962,  the  squadron  established  a  de- 
tachment at  Key  West,  Florida,  tasked 
with  SIGINT  collection  in  support  of 
CINCLANTFLT  contingency  plans  concern- 
ing Cuba.  In  1965,  FAIRECONRON  TWO 
established  "DET  BRAVO"  in  Danang, 
Vietnar.,  raintaining  two  EA-3B  and 
crews  there  until  1969.  January  1965 
marked  a  milestone  in  the  squadron's 
expanding  SIXTH  Fleet  responsibilities 
the  first  permanent  EA-3B  detachment 
was  deployed  aboard  a  Sixth  Fleet  car- 
rier, USS  SARATOGA  (CVA-60).  The  year 
1965  also  saw  the  squadron  officially 
chopped  from  COMFAIRMEO  to  COMSIXTHFLT 
as  operational  commander,  with  the 
squadron  utilizing  the  CTG  SIX  EIGHT 
PT  TWO  designator,  and  COMFAIRMEO  re- 
taining administrative  control  of  VQ~2. 
Since  that  time,  VQ-2  aircraft  have 
been  an  integral  part  of  carrier  air 
wings  in  the  Mediterranean  and  have 
flown  a  myriad  of  missions  in  support 
of  fleet  and  CAROIV  Commanders. 
In  1956,  the  squadron  received  it's 
first  A-3,  designated  A-3D-1Q.  Since 
that  time  the  A-3  airframe  has  re- 
ceived two  major  systems'  updates  to 
ensure  the  electronic  capabilities  of 
the  platform  maintained  pace  with  ever 
increasing  sophistication  of  the  Med- 
iterranean electronic  environment. 
The  first  up-date  occurred  in  1955 
when  the  new  A-3D-20  (present  EA-3B) 
was  delivered.  In  1970  the  first  of 
the  latest  updated  EA-3B's  (SEAWING 
ALP-40)  was  delivered  to  the  souadron 
for  operational  use.  In  1960  the 
squadron  received  its  first  WV2 
"Warning  Star"  (EC-121K)  to  replace 
the  aging  P2V  and  P4M  aircraft  then  in 
use. 
In  July  of  1971,  as  a  replacement  for 
the  retiring  EC-121M,  the  squadron 
comissio.ned  the  first  of  three  EP-3E 
Airies  aircraft.   In  fey  of  1972  a  TA- 
38.  and  later,  a  P3A  were  acquired  by 
the  squadron.  Both  aircraft  were  util- 
ized as  training  aircraft  and  as  VIP 
and  high  priority  parts  carriers. 
197  a  was  rrarked  by  a  huge  turnover  in 
the  squadron's  aircraft    inventory, 
The  two  remaining  tC-121's  were  decom- 
missioned during  the  Surmer.  In  their 
place  VQ-2  acquired  two  of  three  newly 
configured  EP-3E  Deepwell  (ALR  60)  air- 
craft. The  third  EP-3E  Deepwell  air- 
craft arrived  in  <nid-May  of  1976. 
From  the  original  complement  of  24 
officers  and  78  enlisted  the  squadron 
has  grown  to  over  100  officers  and  550 
enlisted.  Routinely  flying  in  many 
areas  of  the  world  (the  Caribbean  , 
North  Atlantic.  N'orwegian  Sea,  Baltic 
and  Mediterranean),  VO-2  land  based  as- 
sets average  over  7000  flight  hours  in 
a  12  month  period. 
The  addition  of  the  Deepwell  system, 
significant  technical  advances  made  in 
the  Special  Projects  department  and  an 
increasingly  successful  training  pro- 
gram have  all  contributed  to  keeping 
VQ-2  on  the  frontiers  in  the  world  of 
Electronic  Warfare. 
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When  VQ-2  was  formed,  we  flew  the  Lockheed  Neptune-P2V  and  Martin 
Mercaior-P4M  aircraft.  The  Navy  first  ordered  the  Neptune  on  4  April 
1944,  and  the  military  model  was  first  flown  on  17  May  1945.  The  Neptune 
was  developed  for  antisubmarine  and  antisurface  patrol,  and  VQ  used  Its 
P2V  for  pilot  training,  conference  runs  and  boondoggles  since  it  was  not 
configured  for  Electronic  Warfare.  The  third  P2V  off  the  production  line  was 
modified  by  stripping  off  armament  and  adding  wing  tip-tanks.  On  29  Sep- 
tember 1946,  this  plane,  affectionately  dubbed  the  "Truculent  Turtle",  flew 
11,236  miles  nonstop  from  Australia  to  Ohio  to  establish  a  world's  record 
that  still  stands.  In  1958  we  received  two  P2V-5F's  that  were  configured 
for  our  mission  and  at  the  time  they  really  seemed  modern.  They  had  been 
fitted  with  two  Westinghouse  J-34  turbojets  in  underwing  pods  to  supplement 
take-off  power  and  increase  dash  speed. 
Martin  first  offered  the  Mercator  to  the  U.S.  Navy  back  in  1946  and  by  1949 
the  Navy  had  acquired  19  of  them  for  use  as  maritime  patrol  bombers.  Those 
that  we  operated  were  specially  configured.  At  first  glance  the  Mercator 
looked  like  an  enlarged  version  of  the  Neptune,  but  concealed  behind  each 
of  two  Pratt-Whitney  reciprocating  engines  was  an  Allison  J-33  jet  engine 
of  4000  pounds  thrust.  Range  was  about  3800  miles  with  a  top  speed  of 
415  knots.  Our  models  of  the  P4M  contained  a  "new"  sophisticated  recon- 
naissance package,  designed  by  M.I.T.  graduate  students.  VQ-2*s  Mercator's 
made  the  last  flight  on  29  February  1960,  and  they  and  the  Neptune  were  re- 
placed by  the  Lockheed  Super  Constellation. 
The  original  design  of  the  Constellation  was  begun  in  June  1939  to  meet  the  requirements  of  TWA.  Our  WV-2  models 
were  built  later,  but  apparently  not  much.  The  wv-2's  were  designed  to  serve  as  high  altitude  reconnaissance  and  early 
warning  radar  Intelligence  aircraft.  Eight  of  them  were  pulled  out  of  retirement  from  Litchfield  Park  and  modified  exten- 
sively by  the  Martin  Company  of  Baltimore  to  perform  an  Electronic  Warfare  mission.  From  the  phonetic  pronunciation 
of  WV,  willy  Victor,  comes  the  endearing  term  "Willy"  by  which  the  squadron  refers  to  the  Super  Constellation.  Our 
first  "Willy"  was  received  on  26  February  I960,  and  is  still  being  operated  as  one  of  VQ's  work  horses,  under  the  revised 
designation  of  EC-121M. 
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Immediately  after  World  War  II,  naval  strategists  began  to  think  in  terms  of 
carrier  based  heavy  attack  bombers,  and  in  1947  the  basic  specifications  were 
set  forth  for  the  XA3D-1,  which  was  first  flown  in  October  1952.  This  airframe, 
after  some  modifications,  entered  service  with  the  Navy  on  31  March  1956,  and 
with  VQ-2  in  September  of  the  same  year  as  the  A3D-IQ.  The  1Q  carried  a 
crew  of  four  with  essentially  no  back  end.  In  1959,  we  received  our  present 
2Q   models  which  carry  a  crew  of  seven  In  an  Electronic  Warfare  role.  These 
were  redesignated  in  1962  as  EA-3B*s.  The  EA-3B  was  the  first  naval  air- 
craft that  was  an  Electronic  Warfare  airframe  from  its  inception  on  the  as- 
sembly line.  Twenty-two  EA-33*s  were  contracted  for,  the  first  was  lost 
prior  to  delivery,  a  second  was  modified  to  serve  as  a  VIP  jet  for  CNO,  and 
the  remainder  were  divided  between  VQ-I  and  ourselves. 
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FLEET  AIR  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON  TWO  (VQ-2)  HISTORY 
In  the  aftermath  of  the  Korean  Conflict,  the  Department  of 
Defense  and  the  Navy  in  particular,  placed  increased  emphasis  on 
deterring  aggression  and  military  conflict  through  our  presence  in 
areas  of  international  crisis. 
VQ-2  was  commissioned  on  l  September  l 9 1 S  to  provide  our  country 
with  an  Improved  defense  posture.   Designated  Electronic  Counter- 
measures  Squadron  TWO  (ECMRON  TWO)  at  the  outset,  it  was  homeported 
at  the  U.S.  Naval  Air  Station,  Port  Lyautey,  Morocco.   With  a 
complement  of  twenty-four  officers  and  seventy-eight  enlisted  men 
under  the  command  of  Commander  Mortis  r..  Kalin,  VQ-2  commenced 
operations  supporting  the  United  States  Sixth  Fleet. 
The  squadron  originally  utilized  the  P4M-!Q  and  A3D-1Q  aircraft. 
In  January  of  1960,  the  squadron  was  transferred  to  its  present 
homeport,  Naval  Station,  Rota,  Spain.   Early  in  I960,  while  commanded 
by  Commander  Paul  D.  Haplin,  the  squadron's  name  changed  to  Fleet  Air 
Reconnaissance  Squadron  TWO  (FAIRECONRON  TWO).   Shortly  thereafter, 
the  p«M  aircraft  was  replaced  by  the  *:C-121M  Super  Constellation. 
FAIRECONRON  TWO  continued  to  operate  and  maintain  aircraft  of  this 
series  into  1974.   The  A3D-lQ's  were  replaced  by  the  A3D-20,  an 
improved  version  of  the  same  basic  aircraft.   These  were  replaced  by 
the  F.A-3B  Skyvarrior.   On  31  July  1971,  VQ-2  received  it's  first 
EP-3E  Aries  aircraft.   The  squadron  now  has  six  EP-3E's,  six  EA-33's 
and  one  training  UP-3A. 
Since  commissioning,  VQ-2  has  provided  reliable,  timely 
intelligence  on  areas  and  targets  of  naval  and  national  interest. 
The  squadron  participated  in  numerous  exercises  with  fleet  and  air 
units  of  the  Mediterranean/European  area,  while  simultaneously 
conducting  normal  operations  supporting  fleet  and  theater  commanders. 
Exercises  of  notable  interest  in  which  VQ-2  has  played  a  m^or  role 
Are:   National  Week,  SHARA7. ,  Deep  Furrow,  Red  Eye,  Poopdcck,  Ocean 
venture,  Display  Determination,  and  DASIX.   These  are  joint  exercises 
with  U.S.  Naval  Fleet  Units  and  Allied  Forces.   EP-3E's  and  carrier 
based  EA-30's  have  been  valuable  assets  in  Mediterranean,  Atlantic 
and  Carribean  operations,  and  have  provided  vital  support  to  the 
Indian  Ocean  Battle  Group  of  the  U.S.  Seventh  Fleet.   VQ-2  was 
awarded  the  Navy  Expeditionary  Medal  for  participation  in  the  1933-84 
evacuation  of  American  civilians  from  Beirut  and  assistance  to  the 
Multi-national  Peacekeeping  Force  in  the  Mideast  crisis.   Two  EA-30 
detachments  were  awarded  the  Navy  Unit  Commendation  and  the 
Meritorious  Unit  Commendation  for  service  with  USS  Independence  and 
USS  John  F.  KENNEDY  In  March  1984. 
In  1969,  VQ-2  won  the  Naval  Aviation  Safety  Award  for  the  most 
outstanding  safety  record  among  special  mission  squadrons  in  the 
U.S.  Atlantic  Fleet.   As  of  June  1994,  VQ-2  achieved  nine  consecutive 
years  of  accident  free  flying,  amassing  60,000  hours  in  the  two 
aircraft  models  assigned. 
Two  Meritorious  Unit  Commendations  have  been  awarded  to  VQ-2  for 
operations  conducted  from  March  1979  through  April  1980,  and  June  82 
through  May  83.   As  COMNAVAIRLANT' a  most  effective  and  operationally 
efficient  special  mission  squadron  for  1983,  VQ-2  was  awarded  the 
Battle  *E". 
In  keeping  with  the  spirit  of  goodwill  and  support  of  local 
community  civic  action,  VQ-2  maintains  a  program  to  help  a  young 
girls'  orphanage  in  the  nearby  town  of  Puerto  Real.   Through  sales 
programs,  carnival  booths,  and  wives'  club  donations,  the  squadron 
annually  contributes  approximately  $1,500  in  goods  and  gifts  to  the 
orphanage.   Each  year,  VQ-2  personnel  sponsor  a  Christmas  party 
containing  elements  of  the  local  custom  of  Three  Kings  (Magi)  Day  by 
distributing  gifts  to  the  girls.  Outings  to  the  circu3  and  American 
style  rodeos  are  also  sponsored  in  the  spring  and  summer.   In 
addition,  participation  by  VQ-2  personnel  in  both  fund-raising  and 
selection  of  deserving  applicants  for  college  scholarships  is  a 
volunteer  effort  in  concert  with  Naval  Station,  Rota,  Spain.
HISTORIA  DEL  ESQUADRON  AEREO  DE  RECONOCIMI ENTO  DOS  2Z    LA  FLOTA  ;v;-2) 
Cono  connjncucr.cia  del  conflicto  en  Korea  el  3c-pa.-ta-or.io  de 
n«jffnr.,j  y  on  particular  la  Carina,  han  pu<»sto  jr.  «_'nfdsii  acelerado  c. 
:lir..inin<ir  lo:;  a;jr<"".  tunc;  y  conflictos  military  con  r.jostra  prc-.e-.jia 
areas  tie  crisis  ;nfr  nacionales . 
vO-2  f  je  com  r.  icnjrto  el  did  primoro  dc  ^ept  ;  <?-^r  ■.•  do 
ar. 
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cl  proposito  de  proveer  a  nu^stro  pa  1 1  una  postjra  de  dofci-.a  "o;irarfa. 
(EDrtttON-TWO)  este  fjc  alojado  en  la  Base  Aerea  J.?l  P-i.-rto  Lya-itey, 
Morocco.   Con  un  compl<;:?.ento  total  de  24  oficiaies  y  73  -anneros  ;a;n 
el  mande  dol  Capitan  de  Fragata  Morris  L.  Kalir.,  ECmp.On-2  cg.-o.-.jo  sjs 
operaciones  en  apoyo  a  la  Sexta  Flota  de  los  =ls:ados  'Jnidos  dc  America. 
El  esquadron  utilizo  or  igmaimente  el  avion  de  los  tipos  ?«M.-13  y 
A1D-IQ.   En  Enero  dol  ano  1959,  el  Esquadron  fue  destmado  a  sa  actual 
alojamiento  en  la  Base  Naval  de  Rota  en  Espana.   a  pri'.cipios  del  a.~o 
1980,  mior.tras  era  coiTiar.dado  por  el  Capitan  de  "ragata  Pajl  T .  Maplm, 
el  esquadron  fue  redesignado  como  el  Esquadron  Aerec  de  Peror.cc  it  i  er.t  o 
Dos  de  la  Flota  (VQ-2).   ?oco  despues,  los  ivior.es  ?*-"*.    foercr. 
reemplazados  por  el  avion  tipo  WV-2Q,  que  ahora  es  conocido  el  tipc  EC- 
121M.   vQ-2  corcinuo  utilizando  y  manteniendo  este  t  i  po  de  avion  hasta 
el  ano  1974.   Al  mismo  tiempo  los  aviones  sel  tipo  AIO-'.Q  fjeror. 
reemplazados  por  cl  avion  tipo  EA-39  que  todavia  sigje  operando  en  vO-2. 
El  31  de  Julio  del  ano  1971,  Vq-2  recibio  la  prtmera  entreja  del  avion 
tipo  F.P-3E  Aires.   El  Esquadron  cuenta  ahora  con  seis  E?-  IT. ,  ceia  EA-1H, 
y  un  UP-1A  que  es  utilizado  para  entremiento  de  pilotos  y  -.avegadcres  . 
Desde  el  principio  de  su  activacion,  vQ-  2  ha  prticipalo  en  j.-. 
sinnumero  de  e^ercicios  especiales  con  la  Flota  y  unidados  aereas  del 
area  del  Mediterraneo  y  Europa.   Ha  efectuado  si.tuI  t  irear-.rr.te . 
operaciones  normaler,  en  apoyo  de  la  Sexta  Flotd  y  de  los  Z  "-.andantes  del 
Teatro  de  Operacior.es  notables  ejercitos:   International  wee*,  S'fA3A7., 
Deep  Furrow,  Reel  F.yc,  3tron<)  Expre33  and  Dawn  patrol.   F.ntre  las 
operaciones  y  ejercicios  recrentes  en  los  cuales  70-2  ha  tornado  parte  se 
encuentran:   National  Weei,  PoopdecK,  Ocean  venture,  Display 
Determination,  y  OASIX.   Estos  e]ercicios  mi  1 1  tares  son  operaciones 
conjuntas  de  los  aliados  de  E.E.U.U.  •/  las  unidades  de  la  Flota 
Nor teamer icana.   Aviones  EP-3E  opecando  desde  la  isla  Diego  Garcia  y 
aviones  EA-3B  embarcados  en  porta-aviones  Nor  teamer  icanos  r.an 
participado  en  operaciones  del  Grupo  da  Batalla  del  Oceano  Indiro  de  la 
Septima  Flota  de  los  Estados  Unidos  desde  Junio  del  ano  1580. 
En  al  ano  1969,  VQ-2  recibb  el  oremio  de  Seguridad  de  vuelo 
conferido  por  el  Jefe  de  0peracione3  Navales  por  naber  ottenido  el 
"record"  mas  sobresal  iente  de  seguridad  de  vuelo  entre  los  escuadror.es 
de  misiones  especiales  de  la  Flota  del  Atlantico.   A  la  fecna  de  Julio 
del  1984,  VQ-2  ha  accumulado  nueve  anos  consecumvos  de  operaciones  de 
VQ-2  sobre  paso.   La  marca  de  60,0C0  horas  de  vuelo  en  am  bos  modelos  de 
avion  sin  tener  nigun  accidence. 
VQ-2  ha  recibido  dos  Condecoracion  para  Unidades  Meritorias  por 
servicio  extraord inar 10  desde  Mayo  del  1979  hasta  Abril  del  1930  y  desde 
Julio  del  1982  hasta  Mayo  1983. 
En  armonia  con  el  espiritu  de  amistad,  compresion,  y  en  apoyo  de 
acciones  civicas  en  la  communidad  local,  VQ-2  rr.antene  un  programa  para 
ayudar  un  hogar  de  ninas  huer£ana3  en  el  pueblo  de  Puerto  Real. 
Utilizado  varios  metodos  para  recaudar  dlnero  como  ventas  locaies, 
puestos  de  ferias  y  donaciones  de  las  organi zaciones  de  las  cxposas  de 
los  oficiales  y  marineros,  el  esquadron  contribuye  aproximadanente  1,500 
dolares  anualmente  en  regalos  a  las  ninas  huerfanas.   Todos  los  anos  el 
personal  de  VQ-2  provee  una  fiesta  de  navidad  en  la  cual  se  incluyen 
varios  elementos  tipicos  de  costumbces  amecicanas  y  espanolas.   Tambien 
en  primavera  y  verano  el  esquadron  organiza  excurisiones  al  ciro  y  al 
rodeo  nor teamer icano  para  la3  ninas.   El  personal  de  vQ-2  conjuntamente 
con  la  Base  Naval  de  Rota  ha  trabajado  en  projectos  para  reunir  dinero  y 
elegir  estudiantes  meritos  para  concedecles  becas  universi tar ias.