Navy Aircraft Index 1

VQ-2
The Sandemen
Call sign used: Rangers

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (VQ-2) was commissioned in 1955 in Morocco. In 1960 the
squadron moved to Naval Station Rota, Spain (as of today, VQ-2 is based out of Whidbey Island, WA).
VQ-2 flies the P-3C Orion and the EP-3E AREIES II variant. VQ-2 monitors the Mediterranean Sea and
the Middle East, acting as the United States' eyes and ears. I was a Yeoman (admin clerk) in this
squadron's admin office. In 1999 I was moved into VQ-2 Public Affairs Office and thus began my career
as a photographer. **NOTE: In the early 2000's, VQ-2 moved to NAS Whidbey Island, WA.**

VQ-2 EP-3E Ranger 21.
14 Oct. 1998

VQ-2 EP-3E 'Ranger 24' being
towed at VQ-2 Det Souda Bay,
Crete. 01 Nov. 1999

VQ-2 P-3C 'Ranger 13'
(low-quality digital image).
23 Jan 2000

Looking over P-3C
Ranger 10's wing to
EP-3E Ranger 24.
June 1999

P-3C "Ranger 13" during
evening preflight (low
quality digital image).
09 Dec 1999

VQ-2 "Sandeman" emblem painted on
hangar doors shines through the U.S. flag
during prepartions for the 1999 squadron
Change of Command.
14 Jul 1999

VQ-2 EP-3E 'Ranger 22'
sporting a new paint job.
23 Mar 2000

P-3C "Ranger 11" during
evening launch.
09 Dec 1999

Towing P-3C "Ranger
11"' on the Rota flight line.
07 Jan 2000

VQ-2 P-3C 'Ranger 13'
seen from the hangar.
16 Apr 2000

P-3C 'Ranger 10' during launch sequence.
25 Jul 1999.

EP-3E "Ranger 23"'
beginning to taxi.
07 Jan 2000