Navy Special Projects Patrol Squadron Converting to P-8A Poseidon

ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Navy’s only special projects patrol squadron has moved to its new base and soon will operate a new aircraft.

Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2 (VPU-2), which flies modified P-3C Orion maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft, “will transition to P-8A this summer,” Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, a spokeswoman for commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, said in a statement to Seapower.

VPU-2 moved from Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, effective April 1. It was the Navy’s last of four P-3 squadron to depart Kaneohe Bay. The other three squadrons — regular patrol squadrons VP-4, VP-9 and VP-47 — have moved to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington, and have already made the transition to the P-8A Poseidon.

VPU-2 originated in the late 1960s as a special projects detachment of a patrol squadron but later became Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit 2. It was upgraded later to a full squadron and its name was changed to Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2. VPU-2’s P-3Cs were equipped with specialized sensors and other modifications for reconnaissance and special projects.

Two years ago, the Navy had planned to deactivate VPU-2 but apparently reversed the decision.