JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 31, 2023) Patrol and Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30 held the Navy’s final graduation of P-3 Orion aircraft pilots and Naval Flight Officers (NFO), March 31.

The final graduating class was comprised of eight students, four pilots and four NFOs, all of whom are slated to move on to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1 and Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30.

“Receiving this training is an extremely unique opportunity, and I am excited to be able to fly and be a part of the great work that VQ-1 will be accomplishing.,” said Lt. j.g. Andrew Bishop, VP 30 student pilot, from Warrenton, Va.. “Hopefully, I will be able to bring my knowledge and flying experience to positively influence the future of Naval aviation.”

Also graduating from the final class were pilots, Lt. j.g. Brandan Breen, Lt. j.g. Garrett Reese, Lt. j.g. Thomas Roth and NFOs, Lt. j.g. Gavin Beaver, Lt. j.g. Michael Lapio, Lt. j.g. Kelly Larkin and Lt. j.g. David Ray.

The multifaceted evolution of training aviators for the P-3C Orion Platform has been rooted in promoting safety and proficiency for all.

“Our P-3 pilot training program has undoubtedly instilled more confidence, readiness, and safety in the P-3 fleet squadron’s pilots,” said Lt. Terry Tran, VP 30 pilot and instructor from Westminster, Calif. ”I have had the privilege to train and lead over 60 student pilots at VP-30. I have trained and led 25 classes of P-3C Pilots, ranging from Category One students, or first tour pilots to Category Five students, or prospective commanding and executive officers.”

Although the Navy is moving away from the platform, numerous institutions will still use variations of the aircraft.

“The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency operates them to protect and enforce our borders,” said Tran. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses heavily modified P-3s to hunt and monitor hurricanes. NASA also uses the P-3C platform as an airborne science laboratory, supporting scientific studies all over the globe.”

VP-30’s mission is to provide P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) specific training to pilots, Naval Flight Officers, and enlisted aircrew prior to reporting to the Fleet.

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