In 1948, the squadron transitioned to the Lockheed P2V Neptune, equipped with magnetic anomaly detection equipment capable of detecting large, magnetic objects underwater. Re-designated as VP-135, and then to Medium Patrol Squadron 5, the Blind Foxes relocated again in January 1947 to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico under operational control of Commander, Fleet Air Wing 11. Peacetime brought significant force structure changes, and in 1945, the Navy Department moved the squadron to Edenton, North Carolina, and then to Quonset Point, Rhode Island.
In 1944, the squadron shifted to Attu Island to support photo-reconnaissance efforts aimed at unveiling Japanese activity in the Kurile Islands. In August 1943, the Blind Foxes joined sister squadrons in bombing Kiska Harbor during the “Kiska Blitz”, hastening the Japanese abandonment of the island and avoiding a costly amphibious assault. It is during this latest designation that they were nicknamed the “Blind Fox” squadron to reflect the squadron’s method of flying “blind” through heavy weather, and were depicted by a blindfolded fox, riding a flying gas tank, carrying a bomb and cane.ĭuring World War II, the squadron directly contributed to some of the earliest allied victories in the Pacific theater. During a dynamic few years, VP-17 transitioned to the PBY-2 in 1938, changed designation to VP-42 in 1939, accepted the amphibious-capable PBY-5A in 1942, and once again changed designation, this time to Bombing Squadron 135 (VB-135) at Whidbey Island, Washington in February 1943.
Foxes afloat website Patch#
The first squadron patch depicted a seal balancing a bomb on its nose to represent operations in Alaska, and Pacific Northwest sites.
Foxes afloat website professional#
From ocean to ocean, the Sailors and aviators who have comprised this squadron’s roll call have helped build a record of Maritime Patrol Aviation (MPA) warfighting excellence, and extraordinary professional achievement and service.Ĭommissioned in 1937, and initially designated as VP-17, the Navy’s second oldest VP squadron flew and maintained the PM-1 Seaplane. For more than eight decades, the command now recognized as Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5) has served the cause of freedom.
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