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Patrol Squadron (VP) 47 “The Golden Swordsmen”

Commander Alex C. Yu-Rank

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47

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Photo By: MC1 Griffith
VIRIN: 230530-N-UM741-1003
Commander Yu-Rank graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2006, earning a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He reported to NAS Pensacola, FL for flight training in November 2006 and earned his Naval Pilot Wings in July 2008. He then reported to Patrol Squadron THIRTY “Pro’s Nest” for initial fleet training as a P-3C pilot.
 
Commander Yu-Rank began his operational flying in July 2009 with the “Golden Eagles” of Patrol Squadron NINE. While a “Golden Eagle,” he made two operational deployments encompassing the FIFTH, SIXTH, and SEVENTH Fleet AORs. During this tour, he was selected for and graduated from the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School and was designated as a Maritime Weapons and Tactics Instructor.
 
In April 2013, Commander Yu-Rank returned to the “Pro’s Nest” of VP-30 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron Instructor Pilot. Following the FRS IUT syllabus, he was selected to instruct at the MPRWS. While at the MPRWS, he served as Assistant Training DH, Fleet Instructor Under Training Lead, and Weapons Officer. He was also selected as Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Pilot of the Year (2016).
 
In 2016, Commander Yu-Rank was selected for assignment at OPNAV SDC Dallas. While there, he served as the Maintenance Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, and flew numerous hours in support of the LSRS and AAS programs.
 
In November 2017, he reported to the “Mad Foxes” of Patrol Squadron FIVE for his Department Head tour. During his time there, he completed two operational deployments to the SIXTH and SEVENTH Fleet AORs and served as the Operations Officer, Training Officer, and Tactics Officer.
 
Following the completion of his department head tour in June 2020, he reported to the Pentagon, Joint Staff, J-36 Directorate. While on the Joint Staff, he served as the Operations, Training, and Standardization Branch Chief as well as Assistant Deputy Director for Operations and Presidential Strike Advisor for Operations Team THREE.
 
In May 2023, Commander Yu-Rank reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR SEVEN to serve as the Executive Officer. He has accumulated over 2,600 flight hours in the P-3C and P-8A. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), and various service awards and ribbons.

Leaders

Commander Alex C. Yu-Rank

Commanding Officer, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47

Commander Zachary J. Sipes

Commander

Command Master Chief Danal J. Shaffer

Command Master Chief, Patrol Squadron (VP) 47


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