By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Acosta, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 returned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Dec. 10 after a six-month deployment in support of operations in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
"The effects we generated are real and will be lasting for years to come," said Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Carlos Sardiello. "Not only were the missions performed, but you redefined [and] raised the bar a bit for what it means to provide expeditionary maritime patrol and reconnaissance air power."
With their seven P-3C Orion aircraft, the Grey Knights flew more than 650 missions and logged approximately 4,300 flight hours while on deployment in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, United States Africa Command and United States 7th Fleet.
Throughout the deployment, VP-46 continued its landmark streak of flight safety.
"We flew over 600 sorties, 4,300 flight hours, further extending the Grey Knights' unsurpassed Pacific Fleet safety record to 305,000 Class A mishap-free flight hours," said Sardiello.
Across the board, VP-46 leadership was content with the effort put forth and the professionalism of their Sailors.
"[This is an] outstanding, great group of Sailors, very professional and hard working. They made us very proud," said VP-46 Command Master Chief (SW) Sidney Dawson Jr.
The return marked the first completion of a joint deployment between a patrol squadron and Consolidated Maintenance Organization (CMO) 10. Members of both commands felt the work flow ran smoothly between the two entities.
"I enjoyed the camaraderie between the aircrew and maintenance team," said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Kevin Emley, of VP-46, from Truckee, Calif.
The crew was happy to have returned home in time for the holidays to spend time with family and friends and get back into a normal routine.
"Deployment went on faster than expected. I'm looking forward to seeing family for the holidays," said Lt. Brett Carstens, of Excelsior Springs, Mo.
