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located in Yokosuka, Japan, deploys on ships to launch tiny, speedy, pilotless aircraft from portable zero-length launchers. The air unit is based on Naha, Okinawa. It launches drones from a belly launcher on a specially adapted P2V Neptune.
Drones from both units are used as targets for surface-to-air and air-to-air missile systems, as well as for radar directed gunfire.
FJ-4 Fury jet fighters of VU-5 perform another important service for Combat Information Center crews of fleet units, which are charged with directing the interception of "bogie" aircraft detected by their long range air-search radars.
To keep CIC units proficient in this operation, a pair of Fury jets work as a team. One is vectored out as a bogie, and the other is directed as an interceptor by the ship's air controllers in detection and intercept exercises.
[[Picture]] KD DRONE TARGET IS LAUNCHED FROM FANTAIL OF USS ST. PAUL FOR MISSILE SHOOT
[[Picture]] A PAIR OF FURIES KEEP RENDEZVOUS WITH SEVENTH FLEET SHIP FOR CIC EXERCISES
A further mark of VU-5's diversification is the squadron's ability to provide other services, including complete aerial and ground photographic service through the facilities of the squadron photographic laboratory.
Units throughout the Western Pacific find ready support for any photographic requirement, including equipment repair. SNB-5P's are used by VU-5 on photo missions.
What with target-towing, drone launching, photo aircraft requirements and other missions, VU-5 employs JD-1's, a P2V, AD-5's, SNB-5P's and FJ-4's. In the years since 1954, when VU-5 began operations in the Far East, FJ-3 Furies and F9F-8 Cougars also have been employed. In addition to providing "routine" air support services for U.S., Japanese and SEATO forces, VU-5 has taken part in many joint naval maneuvers. Squadron maintenance crews have kept aircraft availability high and squadron pilots have earned safety honors. 
Members of the squadron have endeared themselves to the populations of Japan, Okinawa, and the Philippines through their activities in behalf of the People-to-People program.
VU-5 is presently commanded by Cdr. R.J. "Rocky" Nelson, who qualified as an Ace by shooting down five enemy planes during the second World War when he was a fighter pilot.
[[Picture]] CDR. ROCKY NELSON WATCHES PLANE CAPTAINS'S SIGNALS BEFORE STARTING ENGINES