In June 2000 , VP-4 conducted a WESTPAC deployment with detachments in 13 countries and participating in 27 multi-national exercises . The squadron also saved 22 lives in various Search and Rescue ( SAR ) operations within the Seventh Fleet ’s Area of Responsibility ( AOR ) . The squadron was again honored with the Navy Battle “ E ” Award in 2000 , the third such award in five years . Following the September 11 attacks , VP-4 deployed to the US Central Command ( USCENTCOM ) AOR under Commander , Task Force 57 ( CTF 57 ) , a subordinate element of US Naval Forces Central Command ( USNAVCENT ) / US 5th Fleet . VP-4 conducted overland operations above Afghanistan flying armed reconnaissance missions and over the waters of the Middle East conducting Leadership Interdiction Operations in the first days of Operation Enduring Freedom . Over Afghanistan , VP-4 aircraft provided commanders a bird 's eye view of the terrain where US special operations forces ( SOF ) were operating to dislodge Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters from their mountainous hideouts . VP-4 also played a pivotal role in Operation Anaconda , the largest land battle in Afghanistan to that date . Over water , aircrews were instrumental in operations to intercept and cut-off fleeing Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters . For their efforts , VP-4 was once again recognized with the 2002 Commander , Naval Air Force Pacific Battle “ E ” Award as the top P-3 squadron in the Pacific Fleet
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Patrol Squadron 4 (United States Navy)