Members of the Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 "Tridents," based out of Naval Air Station Jacksonville, participated in a ceremony April 8, 2015, in Liepaja, Latvia, honoring 10 squadron members who lost their lives 65 years ago.

On April 8, 1950, a PB4Y-2 "Privateer" maritime patrol aircraft with 10 Sailors aboard was downed during a mission over the Baltic Sea, just south of Liepaja, Latvia. This was an opportunity for the squadron to not only pay tribute to the fallen aircrew, but to showcase the U.S. Navy's relationship with Latvia and demonstrate its dedication to the NATO alliance.

Latvian key leaders and more than a hundred Latvian service members, Charge d'Affaire of the U.S. Embassy Sharon Hudson-Dean, the Liepaja deputy mayor and other local officials, VP-26 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Greg Smith, and VP-26 Command Master Chief James Daniels attended the 65th anniversary commemoration of the loss of the aircrew.

Additionally, Kathy Fiffick, a surviving relative of PB4Y-2 pilot Lt. John H. "Jack" Fette, attended the event with her husband Paul. Escorted by the members of VP-26, they laid wreaths at the Mother Sea monument, where the townspeople of Liepaja had dedicated a plaque memorializing the lost aircrew.

The Latvian army band played the U.S. national anthem as part of the official ceremony as a symbol of the solidarity and strong relationship with the U.S. Afterwards, the attendants boarded a Latvian naval vessel to lay wreaths near the location where the PB4Y-2 was thought to have impacted the water.

Guest speakers included Latvian Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Andrejs Pantelejevs, the deputy mayor of Liepaja, and the U.S. Charge d'Affaires, gave speeches that highlighted themes of partnership, sacrifice, and resolve. Smith concluded the ceremony with his remarks.

"I am privileged to represent the U.S. Navy today for this commemoration. Our squadron is proud to continue the legacy that stretches back to our predecessors in 1950 - the aircrew we pay tribute to today," said Smith during his remarks at the ceremony.

"As allies, the U.S. and Latvia enjoy a strong partnership and friendship. We are grateful that your country has sought to honor the lives of this crew with this impressive memorial."

VP-26 is the last active duty P-3C Orion squadron to deploy from Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This deployment marks the sunset of the aircraft's 50-year service.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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