The Grey Knights of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 exceeded 300,000 flight hours and 44 years without a Class-A mishap on March 10.

To put this accomplishment into perspective, 300,000 hours is equal to 12,500 days or 34.25 years.

A Class-A mishap is defined as any accident involving a loss of life or damage in excess of $1 million.

The Grey Knights began this milestone on Jan 31, 1964.

The record-setting flight crew was composed of Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rex Curtin, Lt. Cmdr. Curtis Holiway, Lt. Malcolm Rumph, ADC Peter Carbone, AM1 Mark Feinberg and AW2 Tom Latura. The crew’s mission was a Patrol Plane Commander check ride for Lt. Malcolm Rumph and a Flight Engineer NATOPS check ride for AM1 Mark Feinberg.

Holiway reflected on the flight, “It was an honor and a privilege to participate in the record-setting flight. I am proud of the hard work and dedication invested by the numerous flight crews and maintainers during the past 44 years. In such an inherently dangerous field, 300,000 hours is not an easy task.”

The Grey Knights are the first Pacific Fleet P-3 squadron to achieve this safety milestone. Accomplishing this task required significant attention to detail by both aircrew and maintainers. The many accomplishments of VP-46 prove that squadron and Navy-wide safety programs provide aircrew and maintenance personnel with great situational awareness, promoting safety.

Grey Knights Safety Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Brent Strong, commented on the squadron’s safety record, “Three hundred thousand hours without a Class-A mishap marks a significant safety accomplishment for VP-46. It took us over 44 years to cross this threshold. It is an achievement that is predicated upon the principles set into action by our forefathers who were grounded in the fundamentals of safety.”

In celebration of this major milestone, Lockheed Martin Corporation presented a commemorative plaque to Cmdr. Rex L. Curtin, VP-46 commanding officer.

“This plaque, commemorating our team safety milestone of 300,000 hours of Class A mishap-free flying, spanning over 44 years of operational and training excellence, is a testament to the safety, focus and dedicated teamwork of all Grey Knights, past and present,” said Curtin. “Your individual attention placed on safe flight hours and maintenance execution is displayed in its aggregate form as we reach this mishap-free landmark. You should all be justifiably proud of your contribution to this amazing accomplishment. Thanks to Lockheed Martin for helping us celebrate our new record.”

Aviation is a dangerous business, but with excellent training and the implementation of safety programs, the Grey Knights have provided safe Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft support around the world for over 44 years.