About this Unit
Patrol Squadron 60 (VP-60), known as the "Cobras," was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on November 1, 1970, at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois. The unit was part of the Naval Air Reserve Force, operating a series of maritime patrol aircraft, including the P-2 Neptune and later the P-3A and P-3B Orion, conducting anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, and reconnaissance missions during the Cold War era. VP-60 participated in numerous training exercises and operational deployments, both domestically and abroad, supporting fleet readiness and augmenting active-duty patrol squadrons. The squadron was disestablished on July 1, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: Patrol Squadron 60 (VP-60), known as the “Cobras”, was officially established on November 1, 1970, at NAS Glenview, Illinois.
• Reserve Squadron: VP-60 was a Naval Air Reserve Force squadron, meaning it was primarily manned by selected reservists rather than full-time active-duty personnel.
• Aircraft Operated: The squadron operated a series of maritime patrol aircraft, including the SP-2H Neptune, the P-3A Orion, and later the P-3B TAC/NAV MOD Orion.
• Cold War Role: During the Cold War, VP-60 played a critical role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations and training, helping to track potential Soviet submarine activity in the Atlantic and Great Lakes regions.
• Global Deployments: The squadron deployed to sites worldwide, participating in exercises and real-world missions, including in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and North Atlantic.
• Humanitarian Missions: VP-60 aircraft and crews were involved in humanitarian missions, such as search and rescue operations and disaster relief, especially in the Americas.
• Integration with Active Fleet: As part of the Reserve Force, VP-60 regularly augmented active-duty squadrons, ensuring seamless integration during times of increased operational tempo.
• Community Outreach: The squadron was highly involved with local communities in Illinois, conducting open houses, school visits, and airshows to strengthen Navy-public relations.
• Deactivation: VP-60 was disestablished on September 30, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions and the eventual closure of NAS Glenview.
• Legacy: The legacy of VP-60 lives on in the Navy Reserve’s continued maritime patrol mission and in the veterans who served, many of whom remain active in military and aviation communities.
