Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54), nicknamed "The Revelers", is a heavy-transport, logistics support squadron of the United States Navy. It is a Navy Unique Fleet Essential Aircraft (NUFEA) squadron based out of NAS/JRB New Orleans, Louisiana and is a sub-command of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing and Commander, Naval Air Reserve Force. VR-54 is a Naval Reserve unit composed of both Training & Administration of the Reserve (TAR formally known as Full-time Support or FTS)[1][2] and Selected Reserve (SELRES) Sailors. The squadron currently flies the Lockheed C-130T Hercules.
The squadron colors are Purple, Green and Gold which are also the official colors of Mardi Gras derived from the yearly celebration most associated with the squadrons host city of New Orleans.
Mission
The mission of VR-54 is to provide worldwide 24/7 fleet logistics support to all components of the United States Military to include transportation of vehicles, ammunition, personnel, etc. and are able to provide responsive, flexible and rapidly deployable assets in order to maintain peace and combat operations. VR-54 conducts their mission utilizing the Lockheed C-130T Hercules aircraft which is one of the most versatile aircraft in the United States Navy and the world, allowing pilots to take off from practically any surface.
In any given year, VR-54 provides six to eight months of forward detached air logistics support for European, Pacific and Central Commands.[3]
History
The previous squadron designated VR-54 was also based at NAS/JRB New Orleans from 1 October 1972, to 28 February 1981, and flew the C-118 Liftmaster transport aircraft; a military designation of the McDonnell Douglas DC-6. The squadron had a permanent detachment at NAS Atlanta as well. When the Navy introduced the McDonnell Douglas C-9B Skytrain II, the antiquated C-118 was retired and VR-54 was de-commissioned.[4]
Ten years later, VR-54 was re-commissioned on 1 June 1991, as the Navy's first C-130T squadron, ushering in an era that would change Naval Logistics for the decades to come.[4]
References
^"Acquisition". www.mynavyhr.navy.mil. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
Fort Worth, Texas (3 Sept. 2005) – U.S. Navy personnel, assigned to Fleet Logistic Support Squadron Five Four (VR-54), load a C-130 Hercules aircraft with supplies bound for New Orleans and surrounding areas for relief efforts from Hurricane Katrina. The Navy's involvement in the Hurricane Katrina humanitarian assistance operations is led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Department of Defense. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Andrew Rutigliano (RELEASED)
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