The Patrol Squadron THIRTY Squadron Augment Unit is a Reserve Component unit that executes Active-Reserve Integration through Fleet Replacement Production.
The Squadron Augment Unit (SAU) provides fully qualified Full Time Support (FTS) and Selected Reserve (SELRES) instructors and maintenance personnel to support the production requirements of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). The SAU is comprised of 22 Officers and 98 Enlisted personnel, 16 of which are FTS. Patrol Squadron THIRTY's SAU personnel account for a
pproximately 19.1% of flight schedule events, by flying 1200 hours over 350 sorties, and completed 8% of VP-30’s student training events during fiscal year 2016. The SAU manages a budget of $750,000 for pay, allowances and travel for SELRES Officers and Enlisted. Aircrew and Maintenance personnel contribute to VP-30's mission by assuming high profile roles within the Fleet Replacement Squadron. SAU Pilots, Naval Flight Officers (NFOs), and Aircrew members are assigned to the P-3C and P-8A Fleet NATOPS Evaluation teams, P-8A Fleet Introduction Team, and assist with the training of personnel and transition of squadrons to the MPRF’s new primary platform. SELRES Aircrew also augment the PATRON THIRTY Training Department syllabus events for the Pilot, NFO, and enlisted Aircrew training tracks. The SAU has positioned its Reserve Component members to support both current and future MPRF missions including P-3C Orion, P-8A Poseidon, and the MQ-4C Triton. The SAU lead VP-30’s P-8A FIT efforts in the utilization of three FTS pilots and the recall of five SELRES Officers to Active Duty to as VP-30's most experienced 737 pilots. This manpower augmentation assists in the transition of each P-3C squadron to the P-8A airframe. Additionally, the SAU sought out and acquired C-40-qualified maintenance personnel in an effort to position VP-30 with experienced T/M/S maintenance talent in preparation for the arrival of the first P-8A. SAU staff hold VP-30 primary and collateral duties including Sexual Assault Prevention Response Coordination, Command Managed Equal Opportunity Coordination, Educational Service Officer, and Professional Development Teams. Additionally, both FTS and SELRES personnel are involved in various levels of off-duty education and community service. Patrol Squadron THIRTY’s accomplishments are made possible due to the precise management of personnel resources, innovative problem solving techniques, and strong training programs exercised by the professionals in the SAU. The VP-30 Squadron Augment Unit exemplifies the Navy Reserve motto of “Ready Now, Ready Always”, and will continue to provide support to the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation Force through FRS training and NATOPS Model Management for many years to come.
