4 January 1954: a U.S. Navy P2V-5 Neptune (BuNo 127752) of VP-2 departed MCAS Iwakuni for a secret combat reconnaissance mission and headed toward China. The flight was established on station over the Yellow Sea when it reported engine difficulties and "WE NEED AID".

VPNAVY is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Navy flying ASW VP/VPB Patrol Aircraft past and present. VPNAVY has attempted to collect every available piece of information via the InterNet.

As of Jun 2004, we have one member who served in VP2 flying PM-2s in 1934-36 out of Coco Solo, Panama. The history of the first VP2 is here. A page dedicated to those known to have lost their lives while serving in Patrol Squadron Two and its predecessors is here. nvsoar 18Jun2004

VPU-2 aircraft routinely fly maritime patrol missions in support of Fleet, Theater, and JTF operations to conduct research and development testing on avionics systems, sensors and equipment...

Patrol Squadron 2 (PATRON 2) VP-2 ‘Neptunes’ STATUS: images history patches |

AIRCRAFT: VP-2 PBY BUNO: 2-P-4"...A U.S. Navy Consolidated PBY-2 of patrol squadron VP-2, circa 1938. VP-2 was based at Coco Solo, Panama Canal Zone, at that time..."

VP-2 was a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy. The squadron was established as Bombing Squadron 130 (VB-130) on 1 March 1943, redesignated Patrol Bombing Squadron 130 (VPB-130) on 1 October 1944, redesignated Patrol Squadron 130 (VP-130) on 15 May 1946, redesignated Medium Patrol Squadron...

"Patrol Squadron TWO (VP-2) was first formed as Patrol Bombing Squadron-130 (VPB-130) at NAS DeLand, Florida, on March 1, 1943. Within three months the squadron, flying PV-1 "Venturas" was operating throughout the Caribbean Sea to protect convoys from sub attacks.

VPNAVY is dedicated to the men and women of the United States Navy flying ASW VP/VPB Patrol Aircraft past and present. VPNAVY has attempted to collect every available piece of information via the InterNet.

This shoot down and valiant rescue was well covered by the world wide news media, becoming an International Incident. It would profoundly affect future Navy and Airforce rescue policies & procedures for the next year, culminating with VP-2 Squadron’s loss 4 Jan 1954 of Neptune BuNo. 127752 ( Lt. Jesse Beasley PPC).