VP-1 Screaming Eagles Plaque, 14, Mahogany, Navy

A genuine all wood VP-1 Screaming Eagles 14 inch solid wood plaque.  With its bright colors, this plaque will be a stand-out in any space!

The use of naval aviation insignia is a modern form of heraldry that dates back to the early period of naval aviation in the 1920’s and captures many proud moments of its history. The practice fosters a sense of pride, unit cohesion and contributes to high morale, esprit de corps and professionalism within the community. It also serves as an effective means of preserving a command’s tradition, continuity of purpose and recognition, as traced through its lineage. The following rules are provided to ensure that all command insignia and slogans are in keeping with the highest traditions of the proud naval aviation heritage.

VP-1 History

Patrol Squadron ONE (VP-1) was commissioned in Deland, Florida on 15 February 1943 as Bombing Squadron 128 (VB-128). The squadron first flew the twin engine PV-1 on USW missions out of Floyd Bennett Field, New York.

In August 1943, the squadron deployed to Iceland to support anti-submarine operations in the North Atlantic convoy lanes. While flying out of Iceland, the unit was credited with sinking one German U-Boat and damaging another. In December 1943, the convoy lanes were moved south out of range of the “VENTURAS,” and VB-128 was moved to Puerto Rico where it remained until the summer of 1944. The squadron’s designation was then changed to VPS-128 and was moved to the Philippines where it carried out bombing, anti-shipping, and anti-submarine missions until the end of the war. Shortly after VJ Day, the squadron moved to Okinawa where it remained until 1947. During this period, its designation changed to VP-ML-1 and the unit transitioned to the new PV-2 “HARPOON.”

VP-ML-1 returned to San Diego, California in March 1947 and received the new P2V-2 “NEPTUNE,” a longer-range twin engine patrol aircraft. On 13 January 1948, the squadron moved to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and in September was given its present name.

In February 1966, VP-1 deployed to Iwakuni, Japan and maintained a seven plane detachment at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in the Republic of Vietnam in support of Operation MARKET TIME. VP-1 became the first patrol squadron to suffer casualties in the Vietnam conflict when the air base was attacked on 13 April 1966.

VP-1 was the last fleet squadron to transition to the P-3 “ORION” with the first new aircraft arriving at NAS Whidbey Island on 1 July 1969 from NAS Moffett Field. Unlike many other squadrons that initially received the P-3A, VP-1 transitioned directly to the P-3B. After a few months of aircraft familiarization, the squadron deployed to MCAS Iwakuni. During that deployment, their home-port was changed to NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii.

In September 1977, VP-1 was presented the Coastal Command Trophy for the competitive cycle ending in June, an achievement which reflected intense professionalism and total dedication of all hands in sustaining a high degree of airborne USW effectiveness.

During the latter half of 1979, Patrol Squadron One transitioned from the P-3B to the P-3B TacNavMod “Super Bee”. Following the transition the “Screaming Eagles” again deployed to Cubi Point from May 1980 till November 1980. This deployment saw a three aircraft detachment in Diego Garcia during a period when tensions were running high due to the Iranian Hostage Crisis. The Navy Expeditionary Medal was awarded to the aircrews and support personnel involved in Iranian/Afghanistan contingency operations. Squadron crews also located and assisted in the rescue of more then 35 refugee vessels with over 4,000 Vietnamese on board, earning them the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Beginning in August 1981, the squadron maintained a three aircraft, four crew detachment at NAS Agana, Guam which rotated