Patrol Squadron (VP) 1 hosted a ceremony commemorating the squadron’s 66th birthday, Feb. 13.

At the event, Yeoman 2nd Class Kurt Feil chronicled the origins of VP-1 as Bombing Squadron 128 as well as their transitions to Navy Patrol Bombing Squadron 128, to Patrol Squadron 128, to Medium Patrol Squadron 1, and finally becoming VP-1.

Capt. Ken Seliga, commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, was the guest speaker at the event.

“A unit is made up of people. In my opinion, people are its greatest and most precious commodity. Nothing gets done in a squadron without them. Squadrons are built around planes, but they function well because of their people,” said Seliga.

“The truly great squadrons endure. It is very rare to see a squadron exist for 66 years, due to the dynamics of naval aviation. Ladies and gentlemen, I am here to attest that VP-1 has endured because of the men and women sitting in this room,” added Seliga.

Over the course of their history, VP-1 personnel have flown the PV-1 Ventura, P2V Neptune, and the P-3 Orion. They participated in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Gulf War, Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, and the global war on terrorism.

“The best way to honor that legacy is to always live up to it and always be ready,” said Cmdr. Chris Corgnati, VP-1 commanding officer. “You have heard me say this before: the only true measure of success is operational excellence. Part of knowing who you are comes from knowing those people and events that are a part of our heritage.”

In conclusion to the event Corgnati was presented with the command guide on, which was embroidered with all the past and present squadron logos, by the Chief Petty Officers Mess and a remembrance plaque for lost shipmates by the Flight Engineers Mess.

“Always ready to face the challenges of changing times, a brief glance at the timeline of VP-1 reveals a unit that has demonstrated the ability time and time again to support the Navy’s mission,” said Feil. “Since its establishment in 1943, VP-1 has left its mark on the history of the U.S. Navy, in times of war and times of peace, successfully carrying out countless missions and maintaining worldwide presence with unparalleled search and rescue prowess and humanitarian efforts.”