About this Unit
Patrol Squadron 68 (VP-68), known as the "Blackhawks," was a U.S. Navy Reserve patrol squadron established on November 1, 1970. Based at Naval Air Facility Washington in Maryland, VP-68 was tasked with maritime patrol, antisubmarine warfare, and reconnaissance missions, primarily utilizing the P-3 Orion aircraft. The squadron participated in numerous exercises and operations, supporting U.S. Navy fleet readiness and augmenting active-duty patrol squadrons during the Cold War era. VP-68 was disestablished on September 30, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions.
Historical Facts
• Establishment: Patrol Squadron 68 (VP-68), known as the "Blackhawks," was established on November 1, 1970, as a Naval Air Reserve patrol squadron.
• Home Base: VP-68 was based at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, with a detachment at NAF Washington, D.C., giving it strategic coverage of the Eastern Seaboard.
• Aircraft Operated: The squadron initially flew the SP-2H Neptune and transitioned to the P-3A and later P-3B Orion, advanced maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
• Cold War Role: VP-68 played a significant part in anti-submarine warfare training and readiness during the Cold War, supporting fleet operations and U.S. maritime security.
• Reserve Integration: VP-68 was one of the first Naval Reserve patrol squadrons fully integrated into the Navy’s operational structure, regularly deploying alongside active-duty units.
• Operational Deployments: The squadron participated in numerous overseas deployments to locations such as Bermuda, the Azores, Puerto Rico, and Panama in support of U.S. and NATO missions.
• Drug Interdiction: In the 1980s, VP-68 aircraft and crews were frequently tasked to support counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean and Central America.
• Humanitarian Missions: The squadron assisted in search and rescue, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions, notably during hurricanes and other emergencies.
• Deactivation: VP-68 was disestablished on September 30, 1994, as part of post-Cold War force reductions, after nearly 24 years of distinguished service.
• Legacy: The "Blackhawks" are remembered for their professionalism, dedication, and the unique camaraderie of a reserve unit that achieved full operational status and left a lasting impact on naval aviation history.
