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A P-3 Orion crew from Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5) deployed to Sigonella, Sicily, to assist in a search-and-rescue mission of the civilian cargo vessel, Vigla, in February when the vessel exploded 150 miles southeast of Malta. Britain's HMS Nottingham and an Italian military helicopter crew initiated the rescue effort. The Orion crew, homeported at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, then joined the search. The Orion lent unique support because of its ability to stay on mission for up to ten hours, but the mission ultimately became search-and-recovery for the Vigla's crew.
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