“The World Famous Blue Sharks” (1943-1993) PATRON SIX

VP-6, The 'Can Do' Crew

By Lt. (j.g.) J. G. Clifford

   Yes, the "Blue Sharks" certainly are at it again! As can be seen from the surrounding photographs, VP-6 under the command of Cdr. P. F. Bankhardt, USN, are busy with and extensive training program in preparation for another deployment in the near future. In addition to their regular training duties, time is also found to make improvements to the hangar and barracks area thus keeping up the "Blue Sharks" reputation as a "can do" squadron.

   Patrol Squadron Six was commissioned on July 15, 1943, at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, with fifteen PV-1 aircraft and was at that time designated Patrol Bombing Squadron 146. VPB-146 departed the continental U.S. on December 22, 1943, for the South West Pacific area where it served all the way from Kaneohe to Borneo and the Philippines. The Squadron returned to San Diego on March 8, 1945 and was reformed on April 15, 1945 at NAS Moffett Field, California, and given fifteen PV-2 aircraft. On July 29, 1945, the squadron was transferred to NAS Alameda where it participated in training and experiments with the PV-2 aircraft.  On September 21, 1946, the squadron, now Patrol Squadron 146, had its home port changed to NAS Barber's Point. From NAS Barber's Point it was transferred to NAS Kaneohe on March 19, 1947 where it remained until December 12, 1947, when its home port was changed to NAS Whidbey Island with a stop of four months at NAS Miramar, California, for acceptance and training in P2V-2 type aircraft.

   The squadron arrived with P2V-2 aircraft at NAS Whidbey on May 10, 1948, where it remained until deployment on September 15, 1948, to NAF Adak, Alaska. The squadron, now known as VP-6, remained at Adak carrying out routine patrol flights until its return to NAS Whidbey in January, 1949. It deployed again on July 5, 1949, to NAS Kodiak, Alaska, where it remained until October 4, 1949, at which time it again returned to NAS Whidbey. In April of 1949, the squadron received five P2V-3 and four P2V-3W type aircraft. The home port was changed again on May 1, 1950, to NAS Barber's Point. The squadron departed NAS Barber's Point on June 28, 1950, for a routine tour of patrol duty at NAS Agana, Guam. However, upon arriving at Guam, the Korean War broke out and the "Blue Sharks" were ordered into the fray.

   Operating out of bases in Japan, VP-6 flew the first combat missions in P2V type aircraft. Extensive combat patrols were flown during this period by the squadron in and around the war zone in support of United Nations Forces. The squadron covered the Inchon landing and the evacuation of Hamhung and the Chosen Reservoir area.

   It was in October, 1950, that VP-6 received a write-up in Colliers magazine giving them the name of "Blue Sharks." The squadron returned to NAS Barber's Point on February 12, 1951. Deployed to Japan and the Korean area again on July 27, 1951, the squadron once again conducted extensive patrols in support of UN Forces fighting in Korea. It was during this tour that the "Blue Sharks" lost a plane and crew shot down by the Russians in an unprovoked attack in the Sea of Japan on November 6, 1951. For their work during the tour the officers and men of VP-6 were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation.

   The squadron arrived back at NAS Barber's Point on January 16, 1952, only to deploy again on July 13, 1952 to NAS Kodiak, Alaska, for a tour of patrol duties in the Alaskan-Aleutian area. Back at NAS Barber's Point on January 26, 1953, the "Blue Sharks" are once again standing by for orders wherever they may be sent in carrying out the job of surveillance and patrol which they know so well.

Photograph captions:

Top photo - An inspection at VP-6 will show straight rows of sparkling shoes and spotless whites. Cdr. P. F. Bankhardt, Commanding Officer of VP-6 is shown inspecting the flight crews at a recent inspection.

Middle photo - Keeping the hangar area shipshape are (left) Charles Spaulding, AN, and Ralph McRae, AA. The distinctive insignia of the 'Blue Sharks' was designed by Lt. (j.g.) J. G. Clifford.

Bottom photo - In this picture, Lt. Cdr. Harry Griffith, Assistant Operations Officer, checks out Crew two prior to a 'hop'. Crew two is commanded by Lt. Cdr. G. J. Coleman, Executive Officer, VP-6.