VP-4

• One of the Oldest Patrol Squadrons: VP-4 (“Skinny Dragons”) is one of the U.S. Navy’s oldest maritime patrol squadrons, first established on 1 May 1943 during World War II. • Multiple Designations: VP-4 has undergone several redesignations since its inception, including VB-144, VPB-144, VP-144, VP-ML-4, and finally VP-4 in 1948. • PBY Catalina and Beyond: The squadron initially flew the PBY Catalina, later transitioning to the PV-2 Harpoon, P2V Neptune, P-3 Orion, and currently the P-8A Poseidon. • “Skinny Dragons” Nickname: The unit’s nickname comes from its patch, which features a stylized, thin Asian dragon, symbolizing its long deployments in the Pacific. • WWII Pacific Operations: VP-4 conducted anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions across the Pacific, including the Aleutian Islands and the Philippines, during WWII. • Cuban Missile Crisis: VP-4 played a patrol and surveillance role during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, helping enforce the naval quarantine of Cuba. • Vietnam War Service: The squadron was heavily involved in operations during the Vietnam War, flying combat and reconnaissance missions from bases like NAS Sangley Point in the Philippines. • Award-Winning Unit: VP-4 has received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Battle “E” for operational excellence. • Forward-Deployed Legacy: For decades, VP-4 was homeported at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, before relocating to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in 2016. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, VP-4 has deployed globally for anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue operations, supporting U.S. and allied missions worldwide.