Many people know that today’s Reserves are playing a more prominent role in Operation Iraqi Freedom. What may not be known is that many of these “citizen-Sailors” have been providing support to active duty missions for many years, in and out of wartime.

At Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the Totems of VP 69 have been providing support for over 30 years to their sister active squadrons, VP-46, VP-1 and VP-40.

Recently, the concept of “one Navy” became more than just a concept for two of the island’s squadrons.

Reserve Squadron VP-69 (the Totems) and active squadron VP-46 (Grey Knights) have combined their personnel and aircraft into one hangar space, meaning both squadrons’ maintenance and aircrew departments are working side-by-side to carry out the Navy’s mission.

The P-3C aircraft squadrons’ primary missions include submarine/surface warfare, surveillance/reconnaissance and Search and Rescue operations.

VP-46, the oldest continuously operating patrol squadron in the Navy, was commissioned in 1931. VP-69 is one of six Maritime Patrol Squadrons assigned to Commander, Reserve Patrol Wing and was commissioned in 1970.

The shift to total integration began in December 2004 when the base was scrambling for hangar space for a returning squadron.

“There was nowhere for VP-46 to go [when they returned from their deployment],” said VP-69 Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Sanders.

The squadrons have encountered challenges and benefits along the way. VP-69 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Michael Krueger said one significant challenge has been met.

“We’re breaking down the barriers between the active and reserve components by realizing our different backgrounds and educating each other on what each of us brings to the table.”

VP-69 Command Master Chief John Callahan said the biggest challenge was the change in leadership within the departments.

“Initially, there were some reservations,” he said, adding that the different ways of carrying out tasks also posed a problem.

“Active duty Sailors are more hands on, but the reserve side has a more cautious way of dealing with problems.” However, Callahan said, with the top-notch leadership in both commands, the problem was quickly solved.

According to VP-69 air crewman AT2 (AW) Marc Grant, combining both crews into one maintenance department has led to a considerable decrease in workload. “Our hours were pretty extensive [before the integration]. The increased manpower has taken some of the work load off of us.”

VP-46 Operations Chief AWC(AW) John Biggs said sharing resources has improved the effectiveness of their mission by reducing the cost of aircraft maintenance.

“[Combining our aircraft] has helped us out tremendously because it has allowed us to accomplish our mission more efficiently,” he said.

Sanders noted Reservists are used to solving issues beyond what the billet requires. “They are valuable because they bring a wide range of skills from their civilian jobs,” he said. “Active duty Sailors can utilize those skills.”

As a result of combining air and maintenance crews, those skills are used to support 12 ready flight crews.

Although Krueger acknowledges that the end result of incorporating Reservists into an active duty squadron has been a more efficient and stronger force, not knowing what is going to happen next causes some concern. “There is some anxiety because the future is uncertain.”

Despite the anxiety, the Totems and Grey Knights continue to do their part as a team to make the Navy a more efficient force.