While it is usually the aircrew that gets all the glory, there are a host of support personnel who make a squadron’s deployment possible.

And while maintenance probably comes to mind first, there is a smaller, yet just as vital contingent who are integral to our success while overseas: the Command Services Department.

While at home, various culinary specialists are sent TAD to either the galley or barracks. Once the squadron deploys, these Sailors are ready to go too.

A vital component of a Sailor’s quality of life at home, Command Services takes on a much more visible role when on deployment. They are responsible for coordinating rooms for over 400 squadron personnel, usually spread throughout three or more detachment sites. They provide hosting for visiting squadrons and distinguished visitors, even flying aboard the P-3 Orion to provide meals for VIPs.

Their greatest contribution, and certainly the most rewarding, is running the coffee mess while deployed.  Known as “geedunks” throughout the Navy, this might be the only place for a hardworking maintainer to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

VP-40 maintains two such geedunks, one in Misawa and the other in Kadena. Culinary Specialists from both VP-40 and VP-45, along with some of the squadrons’ newest Airman, work together to provide this invaluable service.

VP-40’s Maintenance Master Chief, AVCM (AW) Tom Triplett, said, “When maintenance is working hard, CSD is always there with warm food and a smile, served by the hardworking, Marlican team.”

The Fighting Marlicans is the unofficial nickname of the P-3 presence in 7th Fleet. Nowhere is the seamless integration of VP-40 and VP-45 personnel more evident than in the Command Services department.

Most exciting for the Sailors has been the opportunity to represent their squadrons, and the United States Navy, at air shows held in Misawa, Japan and Seoul, South Korea. At both air shows, personnel sold T-shirts, patches and other squadron memorabilia to the public. The proceeds of these sales, along with profits from squadron geedunks, are used to support command functions that benefit all Sailors throughout the year.