Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 57 (VR-57)
VR-57 is a Naval Reserve Force squadron comprised of active duty and Selected Reserve personnel. The squadron provides around-the-clock, world-wide logistics support for the Navy and Marine Corps regular and reserve forces. We support Naval Operations by providing safe, reliable and efficient airlift of personnel and cargo anywhere in the world, anytime, in any kind of weather. VR-57 is staffed mainly with Selected Reservists, comprising over 70 percent of the officers and 60 percent of the enlisted personnel. The remainder of the squadron is full-time Naval Reserve staff.
Our History
Fleet Logistics Support Squadron FIVE SEVEN (VR-57) was established at NAS North Island, San Diego, California, on 11 November 1977. Formal commissioning ceremonies were held in April 1978 with the delivery of the first C-9B aircraft. The squadron operated four McDonnell Douglas C-9B "Skytrain II" aircraft. Each aircraft is normally manned with a crew of six, and is capable of carrying 90 passengers or 27,000 pounds of cargo or a combination of both.
Awards
In 1987, 1990, the VR-57 "Conquistadors" were awarded the Noel Davis Trophy (Battle “E”) for the Reserve Force Squadron achieving the highest level of mobilization readiness. In 1988 and 1992, the squadron was awarded the CNO Safety Award for its outstanding safety record. In 1988, VR-57 was the recipient of the Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing's Retention Excellence Award. VR-57 conducts extensive training programs to ensure the highest degree of proficiency and readiness among its pilots and aircrew.
Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom
This readiness was validated when, with little notice, the squadron was mobilized in December 1990, as part of Operation Desert Shield. For four months, operating from Sembach Air Base Germany, the squadron aircrews carried troops, supplies and munitions throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf. For this effort, the squadron was awarded a Navy Unit Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy.
During the buildup to and throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, VR-57's C-9 aircraft were deployed to various remote locations in direct support of Central Command and European Command. Rotating aircraft and reservists to the detachment sites provided optimal use of Selected Reserve personnel and ensured increased aircraft availability. VR-57 was able to safely complete dozens of direct-support missions, totaling 425 flight hours and resulting in the movement of 953 passengers and 300,500 pounds of cargo in March 2003 alone. VR-57's C-9 aircraft provided logistical airlift support to forward-deployed coalition forces.
C-40's
On 29 August 1997, the Navy awarded the Boeing Corporation the contract for the 737-700C to begin the replacement of the C-9Bs. In the summer 2004, groundbreaking began on a new hangar designed for the Clipper next to VR-57’s old hangar. VR-57 received its first C-40A in August 2005 and began flying real world missions in September 2005 in support of Hurricane Katrina Relief. The C-40A is is normally manned with a crew of six, and capable of flying 121 passengers or 40,000 lbs. of cargo 3100 miles; which is a thirty percent improvement over the C-9B. The C-40A's superior range and performance, coupled with its 21st century avionics suite, will vastly increase VR-57's capability for rapid response worldwide for the next several decades.
In 2008 the VR-57 "Conquistadors" were awarded the Noel Davis Trophy (Battle “E”) for the Reserve Force Squadron achieving the highest level of mobilization readiness.