The real VP-44 for which our squadron is named was established in 1951 as the Golden Pelicans. The squadron flew 6 different aircraft types during it's colorful 40 year history. These aircraft ranged from the PBM-3 Mariner to the P-3C Orion. Sadly with the victory of the Cold War and defense downsizing, the squadron was disbanded at it's home at NAS Brunswick, Maine in mid 1991 AIRCRAFT RANGED FROM THE PBM-3 MARINER TO THE P-3C ORION. The squadron's primary mission was that of anti-submarine warfare (asw). Other missions included mine countermeasures, surface surveillance and attack, search and rescue and drug intradiction to name a few. Among the weapons the Orion could carry are the Harpoon anti ship missle, torpedos, nuclear depth charges, and mines.

The squadron's logo was that of the beloved "Bud man" as he became known. It was one of the most interesting logos in the patrol community. In the Mid 80's this logo was changed to a pelican holding a submarine with it's wing placing it in it's mouth. This logo was not well liked by many VP-44 personnel and became known as the choking pelican. Prior to the squadron's disestablishment the new logo was discarded and "Bud Man" returned to his place at the tail air on the tails of the aircraft.

VP-44 in Airwarrior traces it's roots back to the RAF 229th (1996-2000). The Sqaudron was disbanded in the year 2000, and VFA-22 "The Redcocks" was established. This squadron was composed of 2 squads a bomber squadron and a fighter squadron. In November of 2000 the bomber squadron redesignated as VP-44 and VFA-22 became VF-22. The two squadrons work as one together on missions, with VP-44 providing bomber operations and VF-22 providing fighter needs.

Some milestones in the squadron's history.

The RAF 229th participated in the Battle of Midway
senerio in 1997. Flying on the American side and
were victorious.

The RAF 229th in December 1999 Planned Operation Green Millenium. This operation took place in the Old BigPac arena. It consisted of Cz squadrons from the Small Pac arena and Old Europe. There were close to 150 Cz that took part over the entire day to accomplish the Mission which was a success. The operation task was to capture all Bz and Az bases. This was an event that no Country had accomplished before and no Country other than the Cz have ever accomplished more than once.
There was great team work among the many squadrons that took part. Of the squadrons that took part were the MAW, SOG, LTD, Motley Aces, 479th Raiders, and the Rebel Air Force, Regulators, and the RTC. The last enemy base was an Az base up north which was Capture by the RAF 229th at near Midnight.

The RAF 229th in Mid 2000 Organized Operation Green Comet and in conjuction with the MAW, Planned the operation. It was simular to Operation Green Millenium. This time it was in the New Big Pac Arena. Again it was team work among many Cz squadrons and again was successful. The last two bases standing were that of the Bz on the south west side of the map. These too bases were captured almost at the same time with the MAW capturing a carrier and the 229th capturing the last land base. Again the Big Pac map was all Green.
The Golden Pelicans are currently deployed in the Large Island Chain arena of AirwarriorIIIMV.