Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 “Grey Knights” celebrated 46 years and 308,000 hours of mishap free flight Jan. 30 with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony in Hangar 7. 

“This milestone was made achievable by the safe conduct of maintenance and flight operations, by the book, every time,” said Lt. Nate Dewitz, VP-46 Aviation Safety Officer. 

Lt. Cmdr. Justin Beeler, Grey Knights’ Operations Officer, noted the coincidence of VP-46 having 46 years without a class A or class B mishap.

Class A and B mishaps involve deaths or serious injuries, total destruction of the aircraft or damage to the aircraft and/or property exceeding $500,000.

“It’s an impressive accomplishment, much like golfing your age,” said Beeler.

VP-46 expects to add on to this notable achievement in the coming year by focusing on safety during their next demanding six-month deployment with 5th Fleet.