On 7 December 1979 VP-5 deployed to NAS Bermuda with squadron detachments sent at different times to NAS Keﬂavik , Iceland ; Lajes Field , Azores ; Dakar , Africa ; and Roosevelt Roads , Puerto Rico . From January – March the squadron ﬂew in relief supplies to earthquake victims in the Azores . In May 1982 VP-5 deployed to NAS Sigonella , the squadron ’s ASW activities during the deployment earned it a Meritorious Unit Commendation . For its support to the Sixth Fleet during the evacuation of the Palestine Liberation Organization from Lebanon and the subsequent deployment of Marines into Beirut , the squadron was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal . During this period the squadron was one of several evaluating the effect of female personnel on squadron operations . Approximately 45 women had been assigned to the roster
earthquake victims in the Azores
1980 Azores Islands earthquake
VP-5