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Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9), a US Navy P-3 Orion unit currently deployed to Iraq, reached thirty years and 180,000 hours of mishap-free flying when one of its crews safely completed an eight-hour mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on 26 October. Known as the Golden Eagles, the squadron deployed 155 personnel, including twelve aircrews, as well as support and intelligence personnel. The VP-9 aircraft have upgraded sensor capabilities; and the crews have provided intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support for ground troops, contributing to counter-occupation, terrorism, and insurgency efforts. VP-9, based at MCB Hawaii at Kaneohe Bay, is scheduled to complete its seven-month deployment to the Middle East in early 2009.
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