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PATROL SQUADRON SIX VP-6
“The World Famous Blue Sharks” (1943-1993) PATRON SIX“
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HomeThe Story of "SUBCONSCIOUS" the VP-6 Blue Shark Mascot


The Story of "SUBCONSCIOUS" the VP-6 Blue Shark Mascot
 by Bob Burroughs

"SUBCONSCIOUS" is the 6-foot Blue Shark that was caught in Waimanelo Bay, HI, about 1957. It was hanging on the wall in the duty office and was so sacred that we ALARMED it. It was taken to Iwakuni, Japan or whenever we would deploy for six months. Any squadron and even the Marines tried many times to steal him. The First Lieutenant had the chore of crating it up and making sure it arrived unscathed. My first assignment when I reported aboard in December 1959 was 1st Lieutenant of course. SUBCONSCIOUS disappeared for many years and was later found in a warehouse in Hawaii. He was repainted and brought back to life in blazing color (Silver & Blue). He was presented to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, FL, in 2001, where we had our reunion. He is on permanent display there (We hope!)





VP-6 mascot restored by LT Dold
by LT Frederick W. “Buzz” Steiner 


   A hallowed piece of squadron history was recently re-bestowed upon the Blue Sharks in the form of a newly refurbished squadron mascot: The VP-6 Blue Shark. A reiteration of recent events is in order.
   When VP-6 pulled chocks for NAS Cubi Point last May, the squadron mascot (a 4 1/2 foot wall-mounted shark statue) was absconded by some persons of unknown character, who vandalized the shark such that it was considered a total loss by most. Enter Blue Shark, LT Mark Dold. 

   When VP-6 returned from deployment, LT Dold, along with the rest of the squadron, looked at the shark with frustration (as well as some rather fixed views of the perpetrators). While the rest of the squadron wrote off the shark, however, LT Dold had a plan. Unbeknownst to anyone in the command, LT Dold set about a complete restoration of the VP-6 mascot. Already renowned as a skilled handyman, LT Dold outdid himself, and his efforts brought about an incredible transformation in the statue's appearance. When unveiled to a massively surprised wardroom at VP-6's annual International Night, it was apparent for all to see: The VP-6 Blue Shark is back and it's looking better than ever!

  "The SHARK is now installed on the duty office wall" LT Dold stated, "and I made sure it's going to stay there; it's going to take someone with more than one nostril to rip it of again, unlike last year." Squadron morale, never low, was made even higher by the restoration and while all who see the mascot are impressed with Dold's handiwork, they're even more impressed with its renewed ferocity. 



VP-6 Blue/Shark Mascot "kidnapped, held hostage"
The Barbers Pointer April 16, 1993
by ENS Mike Plowman



   LT Robert Veneman and ENS Mike Plowman of Commander Patrol Wing Two (COMPATWING Two) honored the world famous Blue Shark Mascot with a farewell luncheon at the Home of the Golden Arches in Ewa Beach on March 19.

   Throughout Patrol Squadron Six's (VP-6) shining history, the Blue Shark Mascot has been a morale boosting member of its squadron and a creature of high value while being held hostage by other Rainbow Fleet squadron wardrooms.
   The mascot's career has been highlighted in the past with feature newspaper articles describing its north shore frolickings; and few will forget the day it enjoyed a Patrol Squadron One (VP-1) Junior Officer's Golf Tournament from atop a golf cart while sporting hot pink shark skin.

   But its absence from VP-6 custody has never been more noticed than when it departed for its farewell luncheon without informing its Blue Shark squadron mates just five hours prior to the command's disestablishment ceremony. After a swim and a little sightseeing, the Blue Shark mascot made its way back to Hangar 110 in plenty of time for the ceremony, and brilliantly represented the squadron one last time at center stage on the ceremonial podium.

   All Rainbow Fleet personnel bid a heartfelt Aloha o'e to the world famous Blue Shark Mascot...it will be sorely missed.