VP-46 Grey Knights Squadron Patch – Sew On Enjoy this VP-46 Grey Knights Squadron Patch that is beautifully embroidered. You'll be able to display or wear it with pride. 4 inch Embroidered US Naval Aviator Owned Business Sew On Plastic Backing increases rigidity, so the patch lasts longer and stays flat. Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46), also known as the "Grey Knights", is a maritime patrol squadron of the United States Navy based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Part of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten, VP-46 is the oldest maritime patrol squadron and the second oldest aircraft squadron in the entire U.S. Navy, second only behind VFA-14. The squadron was originally established as Patrol Squadron 5-S (VP-5S) on 1 July 1931, redesignated Patrol Squadron 5-F (VP-5F) on 1 April 1933, redesignated Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5) on 1 October 1937, redesignated Patrol Squadron 33 (VP-33) on 1 July 1939, redesignated Patrol Squadron 32 (VP-32) on 1 October 1941, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 32 (VPB-32) on 1 October 1944, redesignated Patrol Squadron 32 (VP-32) on 15 May 1946, redesignated Medium Patrol Squadron (Seaplane) 6 (VP-MS-6) on 15 November 1946 and redesignated Patrol Squadron 46 (VP-46) on 1 September 1948. Operational history 1 July 1931: VP-5S was established at NAS Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, while on exercises at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, coming under Commander Air, Scouting Force with sister squadrons VPs 3S, 8S and 10S. Upon completion of Fleet Problem No. XII, newly designated VP-5S returned to its home base at NAS Coco Solo. 1 February 1932: VP-5S and VP-2S were transferred for patrol duties to NAS San Diego, California. March 1932: VP-5S flew to San Francisco, to take part in Fleet Problem XIII, based on USS Wright. They returned to San Francisco for Fleet Problem XIV in February 1933. 1 April 1933: VP-5S was redesignated VP-5F, under the organizational command of Base Force. 22 April 1933: VP-5F was reassigned to its old home base at NAS Coco Solo, with VP-2F. May 1933: VP-5F flew from NAS Coco Solo to NAS Norfolk, Virginia, then on to Philadelphia, where the squadron’s PM-2 aircraft were turned in. New P2Y-1 seaplanes were received at Norfolk and were prepared for the return trip to Coco Solo. In June the second division of six squadron aircraft returned to Coco Solo with several stops in Florida and Jamaica. 7 September 1933: The squadron’s first division made the first nonstop flight from NAS Hampton Roads, Virginia, to NAS Coco Solo, in six new P2Y-1 seaplanes under the command of Lieutenant Commander Herman E. Halland. The squadron flew a distance of 2,059 miles (3,314 km) in 25 hours and 19 minutes, establishing the longest nonstop seaplane formation flight to date, surpassing the previous record by 169 miles (272 km). Upon arrival, the six new aircraft were turned in to VP-10F in exchange for six slightly older P2Ys. 21 April 1934: VP-5F, 2F, 3F, 7F and 9F participated in Fleet Problem XV in support of fleet operations off Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. 1 January 1935: VPs 5F and 3F participated in exercises in the Caribbean to test seaplane operations in the open ocean from tenders USS Wright, USS Lapwing, USS Teal and USS Gannet. August 1935: VPs 5F and 2F participated in advanced base operations in Trujillo Bay, Honduras, tended by USS Lapwing and USS Teal. January 1936: VP-5F conducted advanced base operations at Santelmo Bay, Perlas Islands, tended by USS Teal. 23 February 1937: VP-5F participated in extended flight operations in the Caribbean with VP-2F, based at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Mayaguez and San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Culebra; and Balhia Honda, Colombia. 1 October 1937: VP-5F was redesignated VP-5 when Navy patrol squadrons were reorganized under the command of Patrol Wings. VPs 5, 2 and 3 came under Patrol Wing-3, NAS Coco Solo. 14 May – 14 September 1938: VP-5 departed Coco Solo for NAS Norfolk, where the squadron turned in their P2Y-2 seapl
