The "Fighting Tigers" of VP-8 were commissioned in September 1942 as Patrol Squadron 201 in Norfolk, Virginia. During World War II, VP-201 flew the sea-based PBM Mariner in combat missions against German submarines that threatened Allied shipping throughout the Atlantic. In September 1948, the squadron received its current designation, VP-8. From 1962 through 2016, the Fighting Tigers deployed the
P-3 Orion in multiple conflicts and operations in support of American interests around the world. Throughout its history, VP-8 has answered the call to serve in a number of capacities, from monitoring Soviet submarines during the Cuban missile crisis, providing 24-hour support to two carrier battle groups in both maritime and overland combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to conducting direct support of relief operations in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake. For over 50 years flying the P-3 Orion, the Fighting Tigers and other maritime patrol squadrons successfully demonstrated their pre-eminent ASW, SUW, and ISR capabilities in every ocean of the world. In March of 2016, VP-8 began its inaugural deployment in the P-8A Poseidon, one of the newest aircraft in the Navy’s warfighting arsenal. Designed to continue the work-horse tradition of the P-3C Orion, the P-8A provides the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with both traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A has significant growth potential, with planned technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity, and higher-operating altitude. Since transitioning to the P-8A, the Fighting Tigers have demonstrated continued excellence in all operational capabilities, winning both the 2016 Captain A.J. Isbell Antisubmarine Warfare Trophy and the 2016 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award. Whether in direct support of the strike group, conducting long-range reconnaissance, anti-surface or antisubmarine warfare, the P-8A is firmly in place as an extension of the eyes and ears of the fleet. Today, VP-8 is composed of seven P-8A Poseidon aircraft operated by 12 combat aircrews. Each combat aircrew consists of three pilots, a tactical coordinator, a co-tactical coordinator, two acoustic operators, and two electronic warfare operators. The combat aircrews are responsible for employing the aircraft mission systems to accomplish complex and dynamic tasking. Squadron manning includes almost 70 officers and more than 250 enlisted personnel. VP-8 maintenance, comprising more than 160 highly skilled maintenance professionals, has earned a reputation as the best in the fleet through their record of generating superb levels of aircraft availability and material readiness. A motivated corps of administrative, intelligence, and information technology specialists supports the squadron's worldwide operations. The Fighting Tigers have achieved a reputation of operational excellence without sacrificing safety standards, completing more than 200,000 mishap-free flying hours since 1978. The pride and professionalism of every squadron member serves as a reminder to all of VP-8's dedication to excellence and service to our nation.
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