VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change

[Marco P.J. Borst]

VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change

From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs


ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from
Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.

The relocation of VQ-2's six aircraft and 450 Sailors to the United States
is in keeping with the Navy's ongoing transformation of forces in Europe,
and will help reduce costs and eliminate redundancies throughout its force
structure worldwide.

The move will co-locate the squadron with VQ-1, already based at Naval Air
Station Whidbey Island, and will realize efficiencies through the
consolidation of personnel deployment practices, aircraft maintenance
practices and air crew training for these unique Navy squadrons.

"This move is an essential element of our transformation in Europe, greatly
enhancing our overall efficiency and, in the process, improving the
operational capabilities of both VQ-1 and VQ-2," said Adm. Harry Ulrich,
commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe.

"Both squadrons will now be strategically located together, maximizing their
training and readiness posture and their ability to surge worldwide as
required," said Ulrich. "The officers and Sailors of VQ-2 are true
professionals and have carried on a proud legacy here in Europe. Theirs is a
tremendous record of success and excellence. I have no doubt they will
continue that record in the future."

VQ-2, established in 1955, has been operating out of Rota since 1960, and
was at the forefront of the Navy's reconnaissance operations for the
majority of the Cold War. The squadron was instrumental in providing
reconnaissance collection for NATO operations in the Balkans in the 1990s,
and operated alongside VQ-1 to enforce no-fly zones with operations Northern
Watch and Southern Watch during the same period. More recently, VQ-2
deployed to support both operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in
the Middle East.

The closure of VQ-2 facilities in Rota is being done in phases, with most of
the Sailors and their family members being permitted to complete their tours
in Spain, while new personnel report to facilities in Whidbey Island.

Additionally, two smaller associated units, Naval Security Group Activity
Rota and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Unit Rota, will be disestablished
through the ongoing transformation efforts.

For related news, visit the COMUSNAVEUR/COMSIXTHFLT Navy NewsStand page at
www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur/.


Regards,
Marco P.J. Borst
P-3 Orion Research Group - The Netherlands

e-mail:
P-3 website: http://home.planet.nl/~p3orion
MSN Messenger:
subscribe to the P-3 Orion e-mail group:

"The reward of a job well done is to have done it."

"Marco P.J. Borst" > wrote in message
...
> VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change
>
> From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public
Affairs
>
>
> ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from
> Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.

Talk about a 'climate change'.

It will take some getting used to going from the sunny, laid-back pace there
in the Med to the gray, rainy skies of "The Rock". :-)

^^

[Mike Weeks]

Marco P.J. Borst wrote:
> VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change
>
> From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
>
>
> ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from
> Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.

Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the
road*, given both are going to be at Whidbey?

MW

[Mike Kanze]

Mike,

>Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the road*,
>given both are going to be at Whidbey?

Maybe.

Right now I read this as an opportunity to consolidate support, training and
maintenance assets at one location (NUW) that should not substantially
degrade our ability to provide coverage. It also gives the Rock stronger,
continuing "raison d'être," especially with the EA-6B community now in the
twilight of its service. Remember too that the weight of current and future
ELINT-gathering opportunities appear concentrated more along the Pacific Rim
(China, N. Korea) than anywhere else in the world.

This second point is parallel to what was argued in the recent BRAC
recommendation to close Portsmouth Naval Shipyard versus Pearl Harbor NS,
Pearl being closer to the perceived "need."

I agree with ^^ that the Rock will be quite a culture warp from Spain. Put
away those bota bags and break out the poopy suits. Of course the Rock does
have its nicer points, like tax-free smokes, fireworks, and gaming on the
nearby tribal lands, plus to-die-for skiing and seafood-scarfing
opportunities.

Then there are those summer "fog-tans" that Rocksters have always
enjoyed...<g>

--
Mike Kanze

436 Greenbrier Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019-2259
USA

650-726-7890

"Talk is cheap - except when Congress does it."

- Will Rogers


"Mike Weeks" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
>
> Marco P.J. Borst wrote:
>> VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change
>>
>> From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public
>> Affairs
>>
>>
>> ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate
>> from
>> Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.
>
> Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the
> road*, given both are going to be at Whidbey?
>
> MW
>

[Mike Weeks]

Mike Kanze wrote:
> Mike,
>
> >Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the roa=
d*,
> >given both are going to be at Whidbey?
>
> Maybe.
>
> Right now I read this as an opportunity to consolidate support, training =
and
> maintenance assets at one location (NUW) that should not substantially
> degrade our ability to provide coverage. It also gives the Rock stronger,
> continuing "raison d'=EAtre," especially with the EA-6B community now in =
the
> twilight of its service. Remember too that the weight of current and futu=
re
> ELINT-gathering opportunities appear concentrated more along the Pacific =
Rim
> (China, N. Korea) than anywhere else in the world.
>
> This second point is parallel to what was argued in the recent BRAC
> recommendation to close Portsmouth Naval Shipyard versus Pearl Harbor NS,
> Pearl being closer to the perceived "need."
>
> I agree with ^^ that the Rock will be quite a culture warp from Spain. Put
> away those bota bags and break out the poopy suits. Of course the Rock do=
es
> have its nicer points, like tax-free smokes, fireworks, and gaming on the
> nearby tribal lands, plus to-die-for skiing and seafood-scarfing
> opportunities.
>
> Then there are those summer "fog-tans" that Rocksters have always
> enjoyed...<g>
>

Certainly can't question what's related above as to why the move; I was
thinking more along the line of "command billet" structure. Since it's
been many a year since either VQ1 or 2 flew off the boat in the whale,
I really don't have a feel for how they are currently structured plane
and personnel-wise. Would it now make "economic sense" to roll the two
into one outfit was basically the question. Time will tell no doubt.

MW

[Mike Kanze]

Mike,

The VQ community flies the EP-3 airframe exclusively, having exited the
Whale / boat ops business in the late 1980s.

Another reason it makes sense to move VQ-2 to Whidbey: the Rock is already
host to several VP outfits (maintenance / support commonalities).

http://www.naswi.navy.mil/vq-1/
https://www.rota.navy.mil/vq2/

--
Mike Kanze

436 Greenbrier Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019-2259
USA

650-726-7890

"Talk is cheap - except when Congress does it."

- Will Rogers


"Mike Weeks" > wrote in message
ups.com...


Mike Kanze wrote:
> Mike,
>
> >Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the
> >road*,
> >given both are going to be at Whidbey?
>
> Maybe.
>
> Right now I read this as an opportunity to consolidate support, training
> and
> maintenance assets at one location (NUW) that should not substantially
> degrade our ability to provide coverage. It also gives the Rock stronger,
> continuing "raison d'être," especially with the EA-6B community now in the
> twilight of its service. Remember too that the weight of current and
> future
> ELINT-gathering opportunities appear concentrated more along the Pacific
> Rim
> (China, N. Korea) than anywhere else in the world.
>
> This second point is parallel to what was argued in the recent BRAC
> recommendation to close Portsmouth Naval Shipyard versus Pearl Harbor NS,
> Pearl being closer to the perceived "need."
>
> I agree with ^^ that the Rock will be quite a culture warp from Spain. Put
> away those bota bags and break out the poopy suits. Of course the Rock
> does
> have its nicer points, like tax-free smokes, fireworks, and gaming on the
> nearby tribal lands, plus to-die-for skiing and seafood-scarfing
> opportunities.
>
> Then there are those summer "fog-tans" that Rocksters have always
> enjoyed...<g>
>

Certainly can't question what's related above as to why the move; I was
thinking more along the line of "command billet" structure. Since it's
been many a year since either VQ1 or 2 flew off the boat in the whale,
I really don't have a feel for how they are currently structured plane
and personnel-wise. Would it now make "economic sense" to roll the two
into one outfit was basically the question. Time will tell no doubt.

MW

"Mike Weeks" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
>
> Marco P.J. Borst wrote:
> > VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change
> >
> > From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public
Affairs
> >
> >
> > ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate
from
> > Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.
>
> Doesn't this beg a question; will one sqdrn be deactivated *down the
> road*, given both are going to be at Whidbey?

Nope. Different coverage areas. Different administrative control.
They did the same thing with VQ-3 and VQ-4 at Tinker. When they get airborne
one turns right and one goes left. It works well.
It's a smart move so all support and training can be centrally located.
Uncle Sam needs to do a lot more "smart moves" with our tax dollars!

^^

[Guest]

I am actually stationed at VQ2 and while they arent consolidating the
two squadrons as of yet, the rumor is when the NEW Version of our
aircraft come out (i forget the model but its somthing along the lines
of a 737 i believe) VQ1 and VQ2 will become somthing like VQ12 if you
see what i am saying. But as of now VQ2 will remain VQ2 flying our
birds while VQ1 does their thing.
__________________________________________________ _______^M
Posted via the -Web to Usenet- forums at http://forums.yourdomain.com^M
Visit www.yourdomain.com and try our New products and services today!

[Allen]

In article >,
Guest > wrote:

> I am actually stationed at VQ2 and while they arent consolidating the
> two squadrons as of yet, the rumor is when the NEW Version of our
> aircraft come out (i forget the model but its somthing along the lines
> of a 737 i believe) VQ1 and VQ2 will become somthing like VQ12 if you
> see what i am saying. But as of now VQ2 will remain VQ2 flying our
> birds while VQ1 does their thing.
> __________________________________________________ _______^M
> Posted via the -Web to Usenet- forums at http://forums.yourdomain.com^M
> Visit www.yourdomain.com and try our New products and services today!

Well, VX-5 and VX-4 became VX-9 so what the heck might as well ;)

Pugs

[Mike Weeks]

Guest wrote:
> I am actually stationed at VQ2 and while they arent consolidating the
> two squadrons as of yet, the rumor is when the NEW Version of our
> aircraft come out (i forget the model but its somthing along the lines
> of a 737 i believe) VQ1 and VQ2 will become somthing like VQ12 if you
> see what i am saying. But as of now VQ2 will remain VQ2 flying our
> birds while VQ1 does their thing.

And it's those rumors which keeps things a-hopin' -- Interesting
indeed.

MW

[niceguy]

Was VQ-2 once named VU-2? I was assigned to VU-2 in the early 50s until I
swapped to VS-27 to get sea duty.

"Marco P.J. Borst" > wrote in message
...
> VQ-2 Scheduled for Homeport Change
>
> From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public
> Affairs
>
>
> ITALY (NNS) -- Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 will relocate from
> Rota, Spain, to Whidbey Island, Wash., effective Sept. 1.
>
> The relocation of VQ-2's six aircraft and 450 Sailors to the United States
> is in keeping with the Navy's ongoing transformation of forces in Europe,
> and will help reduce costs and eliminate redundancies throughout its force
> structure worldwide.
>
> The move will co-locate the squadron with VQ-1, already based at Naval Air
> Station Whidbey Island, and will realize efficiencies through the
> consolidation of personnel deployment practices, aircraft maintenance
> practices and air crew training for these unique Navy squadrons.
>
> "This move is an essential element of our transformation in Europe,
> greatly
> enhancing our overall efficiency and, in the process, improving the
> operational capabilities of both VQ-1 and VQ-2," said Adm. Harry Ulrich,
> commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
>
> "Both squadrons will now be strategically located together, maximizing
> their
> training and readiness posture and their ability to surge worldwide as
> required," said Ulrich. "The officers and Sailors of VQ-2 are true
> professionals and have carried on a proud legacy here in Europe. Theirs is
> a
> tremendous record of success and excellence. I have no doubt they will
> continue that record in the future."
>
> VQ-2, established in 1955, has been operating out of Rota since 1960, and
> was at the forefront of the Navy's reconnaissance operations for the
> majority of the Cold War. The squadron was instrumental in providing
> reconnaissance collection for NATO operations in the Balkans in the 1990s,
> and operated alongside VQ-1 to enforce no-fly zones with operations
> Northern
> Watch and Southern Watch during the same period. More recently, VQ-2
> deployed to support both operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom in
> the Middle East.
>
> The closure of VQ-2 facilities in Rota is being done in phases, with most
> of
> the Sailors and their family members being permitted to complete their
> tours
> in Spain, while new personnel report to facilities in Whidbey Island.
>
> Additionally, two smaller associated units, Naval Security Group Activity
> Rota and Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Unit Rota, will be
> disestablished
> through the ongoing transformation efforts.
>
> For related news, visit the COMUSNAVEUR/COMSIXTHFLT Navy NewsStand page at
> www.news.navy.mil/local/naveur/.
>
>
> Regards,
> Marco P.J. Borst
> P-3 Orion Research Group - The Netherlands
>
> e-mail:
> P-3 website: http://home.planet.nl/~p3orion
> MSN Messenger:
> subscribe to the P-3 Orion e-mail group:
>
> "The reward of a job well done is to have done it."
>
>

[Mike Weeks]

niceguy wrote:
> Was VQ-2 once named VU-2? I was assigned to VU-2 in the early 50s until I
> swapped to VS-27 to get sea duty.

VU-2 became VC-2 on 01 July 1965 and then went out of business on 30
SEP 1980.

AFAIK the squadron continued doing the same job.

MW

[John McIntyre]

I'm a VQ-2 Plankowner (P4M-1Q driver, if any of you remember the bird) and
have been involved, as many of you know, in rounding up the living VQ Port
Lyautey and Sangley Point Plankowners so that we could present each unit
with a certificate of
appreciation in our names on the date of the anniversaries. The VQ-1
certificate was presented on 1June and the VQ-2 one is in the works. In
discussing the move from Rota with the first VQ-2 skipper, CDR (now CAPT,
Ret) Morrie Kalin, here's his take in an e-mail to me this week:

"Whidbey is a great place. The carrier detachments will be happy, the
shore detachment will be happy and the dependents will be happy. Two or
three tours in the same squadron will be common. The aircrews and the
pilots will be real specialists. Promotions and advancements in rank will
all be in-house....even the detail people - less work for them. It will be
like a separate Navy of highly qualified experts that almost everybody will
want to be assigned to. Who could have anticipated this future for VQ-2? I
hope they will all rush out and buy your book!"

Morrie's in his nineties, not in good health, but I thought you'd be
interested. It's an interesting viewpoint - I'm not sure I agree with
everything he says, but there it is.

[Merlin Dorfman]

There's a Mel Davidow who posted here a few months ago that he was
one of the original 12 to get orders to the P4M-1Q:
<http://www.aviationbanter.com/q-t_7783-Reqest-info-P4M-Mercator.html>
--------------------------------

John McIntyre > wrote:
> I'm a VQ-2 Plankowner (P4M-1Q driver, if any of you remember the bird) and
> have been involved, as many of you know, in rounding up the living VQ Port
> Lyautey and Sangley Point Plankowners so that we could present each unit
> with a certificate of
> appreciation in our names on the date of the anniversaries. The VQ-1
> certificate was presented on 1June and the VQ-2 one is in the works. In
> discussing the move from Rota with the first VQ-2 skipper, CDR (now CAPT,
> Ret) Morrie Kalin, here's his take in an e-mail to me this week:

> "Whidbey is a great place. The carrier detachments will be happy, the
> shore detachment will be happy and the dependents will be happy. Two or
> three tours in the same squadron will be common. The aircrews and the
> pilots will be real specialists. Promotions and advancements in rank will
> all be in-house....even the detail people - less work for them. It will be
> like a separate Navy of highly qualified experts that almost everybody will
> want to be assigned to. Who could have anticipated this future for VQ-2? I
> hope they will all rush out and buy your book!"

> Morrie's in his nineties, not in good health, but I thought you'd be
> interested. It's an interesting viewpoint - I'm not sure I agree with
> everything he says, but there it is.

[[email protected]]

I remeber the Mercator. We were all a little bemused hwne this big
twin-engined prop plane emitted starting-up jet noises while waiting
number one for the runway there at Naha back in the fifties. We were
also a little bemused at having to make IDs on blacked-out P4s returing
from their nocturnal prowls along the PRC coastline. Any of y'all
remember the blacked-out F86Ds formating on you while the pilot read
the BuNos with his flashlight?
Walt BJ, ex-25FIS, Naha AB. 54-57