Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8)

Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8) This is the Official page of the "Fighting Tigers" of Patrol Squadron 8 stationed at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

Commanding Officer CDR Bruce
Executive Officer CDR Maddox The "Fighting Tigers" of VP-8 were commissioned in September 1942 as Patrol Squadron 201 in Norfolk, Virginia. During World War II, VP-201 flew the sea-based PBM Mariner in combat missions against German submarines that threatened Allied shipping throughout the Atlantic. In September 1948, the squadron received its current designation, VP-8

. From 1962 through 2016, the Fighting Tigers deployed the P-3 Orion in multiple conflicts and operations in support of American interests around the world. Throughout its history, VP-8 has answered the call to serve in a number of capacities, from monitoring Soviet submarines during the Cuban missile crisis, providing 24-hour support to two carrier battle groups in both maritime and overland combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to conducting direct support of relief operations in response to the 2010 Haitian earthquake. For over 50 years flying the P-3 Orion, the Fighting Tigers and other maritime patrol squadrons successfully demonstrated their pre-eminent ASW, SUW, and ISR capabilities in every ocean of the world. In March of 2016, VP-8 began its inaugural deployment in the P-8A Poseidon, one of the newest aircraft in the Navy’s warfighting arsenal. Designed to continue the work-horse tradition of the P-3C Orion, the P-8A provides the fleet with more combat capability, responsiveness, and interoperability with both traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors. The P-8A has significant growth potential, with planned technological improvements that extend global reach, payload capacity, and higher-operating altitude. Since transitioning to the P-8A, the Fighting Tigers have demonstrated continued excellence in all operational capabilities, winning both the 2016 Captain A.J. Isbell Antisubmarine Warfare Trophy and the 2016 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award. Whether in direct support of the strike group, conducting long-range reconnaissance, anti-surface or antisubmarine warfare, the P-8A is firmly in place as an extension of the eyes and ears of the fleet. Today, VP-8 is composed of seven P-8A Poseidon aircraft operated by 12 combat aircrews. Each combat aircrew consists of three pilots, a tactical coordinator, a co-tactical coordinator, two acoustic operators, and two electronic warfare operators. The combat aircrews are responsible for employing the aircraft mission systems to accomplish complex and dynamic tasking. Squadron manning includes almost 70 officers and more than 250 enlisted personnel. VP-8 maintenance, comprising more than 160 highly skilled maintenance professionals, has earned a reputation as the best in the fleet through their record of generating superb levels of aircraft availability and material readiness. A motivated corps of administrative, intelligence, and information technology specialists supports the squadron's worldwide operations. The Fighting Tigers have achieved a reputation of operational excellence without sacrificing safety standards, completing more than 200,000 mishap-free flying hours since 1978. The pride and professionalism of every squadron member serves as a reminder to all of VP-8's dedication to excellence and service to our nation.

A great day for smiles on these hardworking tigers! 🐯
04/02/2026

A great day for smiles on these hardworking tigers! 🐯

A beautiful day to be a tiger! Congrats to our award winners! Tiger tiger! 🐅
03/03/2026

A beautiful day to be a tiger! Congrats to our award winners! Tiger tiger! 🐅

Congratulation to AD3 Cruz on their frocking! We are proud of your hard work! 🐯
02/12/2026

Congratulation to AD3 Cruz on their frocking! We are proud of your hard work! 🐯

Congratulations to LT Longstaff on his MOB flight! You earned it! Bravo Zulu! 🐯
02/11/2026

Congratulations to LT Longstaff on his MOB flight! You earned it! Bravo Zulu! 🐯

Congratulations to the newly fresh IT2 McKnight on their frocking! Proud of ya! 🐅
02/11/2026

Congratulations to the newly fresh IT2 McKnight on their frocking! Proud of ya! 🐅

Congrats to LT Irvin's Fini flight. You will be missed, but always will be a tiger! 🐅
02/10/2026

Congrats to LT Irvin's Fini flight. You will be missed, but always will be a tiger! 🐅

Congratulations to AWO1 Hall on their reenlistment! 🐯
01/21/2026

Congratulations to AWO1 Hall on their reenlistment! 🐯

Good luck tigers! You have the whole squad cheering you on! 🐅
01/15/2026

Good luck tigers! You have the whole squad cheering you on! 🐅

Hard work, leadership, and dedication doesn't go unnoticed. Congratulations, Tigers! ⚓️🎖️
01/15/2026

Hard work, leadership, and dedication doesn't go unnoticed. Congratulations, Tigers! ⚓️🎖️

01/11/2026
LT Gibbs and LT Rondinella giving a tour to Olympic Heights Community High School. Inspiring the next generation of avia...
01/09/2026

LT Gibbs and LT Rondinella giving a tour to Olympic Heights Community High School. Inspiring the next generation of aviators!
Bravo Zulu! ✈️

Address

Hangar 511, Yorktown Avenue
Jacksonville, FL
32212

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 6pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19045422233

Website

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