About this Unit
Patrol Squadron 21 (VP-21) was a U.S. Navy patrol squadron established in 1943 during World War II. Originally equipped with PBM Mariner seaplanes, VP-21 conducted anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and reconnaissance missions in the Atlantic and later in the Pacific theaters. The squadron played a vital role in protecting Allied convoys from German U-boats and participated in search and rescue operations. VP-21 continued its service during the early Cold War period, eventually being disestablished in 1969 after numerous redesignations and decades of distinguished operational history.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Designations: The U.S. Navy squadron VP-21 actually refers to several different squadrons over time due to the Navy's tradition of reusing squadron numbers. The most famous VP-21 was originally established as VP-7B in 1929, redesignated several times, and finally became VP-21 in 1948.
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World War II Service: VP-21 saw distinguished service in World War II, participating in anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and patrol missions throughout the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
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Flying Boats to Neptunes: The squadron flew a variety of aircraft over its lifetime, including PBY Catalinas ("flying boats") during WWII and later the land-based P2V Neptune, reflecting major changes in patrol aviation technology.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: VP-21 played a key surveillance role during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, flying patrols to track Soviet ships and submarines in the Atlantic.
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Home Ports: The squadron was based at several major naval air stations, including NAS Norfolk, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Quonset Point, and finally NAS Brunswick, Maine.
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Cold War Frontline: Throughout the Cold War, VP-21 conducted anti-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic, helping to track Soviet Navy submarines and protect U.S. interests.
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Nickname "Blackjacks": The squadron was known as the "Blackjacks," a nod to their squadron insignia featuring the ace of spades.
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Operation Market Time: VP-21 contributed to Operation Market Time, a U.S. Navy effort to prevent North Vietnamese supplies from reaching South Vietnam by sea.
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Decommissioning: VP-21 was disestablished on November 21, 1969, as part of a post-Vietnam War reduction in U.S. Navy patrol squadrons.
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Legacy and Reunions: Despite disestablishment, former members of VP-21 maintain an active veterans association, holding regular reunions and preserving the squadron's history and camaraderie.
