VR-54

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]

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]