VP-45 Pelicans Squadron Patch - Plastic Backing
Aviators! Are you looking for a high-quality patch you'll proudly wear or display? Look no further than the VP-45 Pelicans Squadron Patch!
4 inch
Embroidered
US Naval Aviator Owned Business
Sew On

Patrol Squadron FORTY-FIVE (VP-45) home ported at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, was initially commissioned Patrol Squadron TWO ZERO FIVE (VP-205) on 1 November 1942 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia. The squadron was soon ordered to San Juan, Puerto Rico where it received a full complement of 13 PBM Mariners for its mission of anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort over Atlantic and Caribbean waters.
During 1944, VP-205 moved successively to NAAF/NAF Port of Spain, Trinidad, British West Indies, NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, then back to NAS Norfolk, Virginia for refresher training at NAAS Harvey Point, Hertford, North Carolina. The squadron was redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 205 (VPB-205) and joined the Pacific Fleet at NAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, at the end of 1944. In 1945, VPB-205 carried out missions of ASW, surveillance patrols, and search and rescue from Tanapag, Saipan; Chim Wan, Okinawa; and Wakayama, Japan. The squadron returned to NAS Norfolk, Virginia in October 1945 for training and overhaul, and moved to NAS Bermuda in April 1946. Its designation was changed to VP-MS-5 in 1946, and then to its present designation as VP-45 on 1 September 1948. VP-45 subsequently had changes of homeport back to NAS Norfolk, Virginia to NAS Coco Solo, Panama, Canal Zone in 1951, when it transitioned to P5M Marlin seaplanes and back to NAS Bermuda in 1956.
VP-45 took part in numerous Caribbean operations with seaplane tenders, was airborne on all "Mercury" space shots as part of the Bermuda Recovery Unit, and became part of ASW Task Group DELTA in September, 1961. The early efforts of Task Group DELTA resulted in significant developments in ASW tactics, sensors and related equipment.